How To Be
Web
Ready
Keep private information private.
Smart surfers don't disclose personal information unless they know
who's collecting it, why, and how it's going to be used. And they
never disclose their password.
Get to know online merchants.
Be cautious of a company that claims to have a secret connection overseas or
doesn't allow e-mail replies.
Question out-of-this-world claims.
Claims like "you can earn over $50,000 a month" or "lose weight without
dieting" suggest a scam. Be wary of any company that makes a product or
performance claim that's unlikely—or just plain hard to believe.
Make sure it's secure.
If you buy something on the Internet and need to give your credit card
number, verify the online security or encryption before you do business.
Know who's who.
Online, anyone can be anyone, anywhere. Because it's easy to fake e-mail
addresses, be mindful of who you're listening to or talking with before you
give out personal information.
Watch the .exe files.
Secret programs may exist in files you download—especially .exe
files. These files could ruin your hard drive, hijack your
modem, or collect information
about you without your
knowledge. Install a virus protection program before you go online.
Filter for fun.
Inexpensive "filtering" software programs
help make sure your family members are protected from sites that may not be
age—or interest—appropriate.
The FTC works for the consumer to
prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the
marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and
avoid them. To file a
complaint or to get free information
on consumer issues, visit
www.ftc.gov or
call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The
FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related
complaints into
Consumer Sentinel, a
secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law
enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
|
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION |
FOR THE CONSUMER |
1-877-FTC-HELP |
www.ftc.gov |
|
December 1997 |