Web sites and email

• · Do not provide credit card numbers or personal information on any web site if you aren't sure the site is authentic. Choose companies with secure transactions and strong privacy and security policies.
• · Never open spam and other email from unknown sources — it may contain viruses or other programs that make your computer vulnerable to intrusion.
• · Never click on a link in an email claiming to come from a financial institution or business, and never provide personal or account data in response. The email may be a fake sent by "phishing" scammers.
• · When entering personal information online, even on well-known web sites, watch for signs that you've been redirected to a "cloned" replica site where your data can be captured without your knowledge (a fraud technique called "pharming"). Such signs include odd error messages, unexpected page design or content, or other strange site behavior.

What identity thieves want most

Your Social Security number is the key to cloning your identity.

Your bank accounts

Reduce paper transactions

Mail and marketing lists

Trash and shredding of personal information

Your personal and business checks

Your wallet or purse

Credit, debit, and ATM cards

Credit reports and credit files

Shopping and application forms

Web sites and email

Computers and networks

Passwords and PINs