[tpop1]

I’ve been in the PC business for a while and have come up with a few rules I try to follow in dealing with financial & personal info over the Web. No problems to date!(Jinx - I shouldn’t have said that)

1) I try never to reply to requests for information that arrive via email or ads asking for financial & personal info. I’ve rarely seen a legitimate organization with which I do business, request this type of info be provided via email. Tony explained what’s called phishing, sending of links to fake sites.
If I have any question, I type in the web address that I know to be valid.
In cases where I have any concern; I make contact with the institution in question by email (Not a reply but a new email I address to that organization), by phone call, or by online chat to determine the validity of the request.

2) I only enter financial & personal info into Web sites, that I know to be valid, with https: addresses.

3) I NEVER enter financial & personal info while on unsecure wireless networks….not at home nor at public locations; Starbucks, TV Sales center, etc.

4) I try to remember to change my passwords to my financial site OFTEN!

5) I use PayPal for any transaction where I can; Ebay, Internet Stores, etc.

Sorry for the length, but I hope this helps.

Len