| Exercise extreme caution when divulging personal information online
Would be identity thieves are crafting ever more crafty methods for separating you from your money. Although you might feel that this sort of thing could never happen to you, everyone should exercise extreme caution when divulging personal information online.
CONFIRMATION MESSAGES
Be wary of any e-mail message that asks you to confirm details about online accounts. Messages such as these will instruct you to follow a link in order to update or confirm your personal details. Be aware that legitimate Web sites will never ask for a PIN, password, Social Security number, or other sensitive information in an e-mail.
Also, never follow a link in an e-mail to provide information. Many of these increasingly sophisticated pages are created for the sole purpose of mining personal information. They might incorporate content, logos, and other graphics that appear genuine.
TOPICAL SCAMS
“Phishers” often attempt to capitalize on catastrophic events by forging popular charity sites, or send e-mails claiming to be from such entities. Most recently, just such a scam was reported during the aftermath of the Chinese earthquake tragedy.
BEST PRACTICES
Common sense and a heightened awareness of phishers’ tactics can help you to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
- Ensure that your computer software is up to date. Both Windows and Mac operating systems have automated updaters built into them. Take advantage of this feature.
- Maintain your accounts online diligently. Log in frequently to ensure that no untoward activity has occurred.
Unfortunately, the sophistication of criminal behavior requires ever more diligence to combat. You probably already shred sensitive documents, rather than tossing them in the waste basket. Be sure that you’re as diligent in your online endeavors.
By combining your Web site and e-mail services, Tekcetera can provide an easily-managed, all-in-one Internet security solution. One more reason for you to consider signing up for our SiteWizard for Insurance Agents package.
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