You're not likely to run into trouble on the Internet. Nonetheless, a little consumer savvy helps in cyberspace just as it does anywhere. A little CyberSavvy goes a long way: • Don't believe everything you read. Web sites are created by humans and subject to all the frailties of humans, from honest mistakes to outright deception. A scam is a scam, and the Internet is an easy avenue for con artists — it's easy and cheap to set up professional-looking Web sites, and reach millions of people with fraudulent offerings online. Be particularly careful investing online unless you are certain you're dealing with a reputable firm. If you suspect a Web site may contain a fraudulent offering, notify appropriate authorities (see Consumer Education and Protection resources). • Don't tell anyone your sign-on password. Your e-mail files are your business, and you don't want an unauthorized person signing on pretending to be you and ordering products in your name or visiting inappropriate sites. Be creative when you create your password. Don't use something obvious like your Social Security number, phone number, or birth date. Try a combination of letters and numbers. Use different passwords for different purposes. For example, don't use your sign-on password as a password to place an order. • Look for privacy statements when you visit a Web site. Get into the habit of checking out the site's privacy and security policies before you give away any information about yourself or buy anything. Web sites gather information about individuals in two ways. One is directly, by asking you to fill out a registration form to explore the site, or an address form for shipping a product you have ordered. It may also be gathered indirectly by noting your repeat visits to the same site (check "cookies" in the Word Savvy page for an explanation of how and why information is collected). The Direct Marketing Association encourages companies to have privacy policies and to post them. A good policy will tell you if personal information is collected, how it is used, and whether the information is shared with others. It also will give you an option to say you don't want your information used or shared. Because of privacy concerns, non-profit organizations and government agencies also post privacy statements. If you can't find the site's privacy statement or you don't like what the statement says, you can always take your business elsewhere. • Supervise children online. Ever curious, children can find their way to sites that feature violence, sex, and hatred. So it's a good idea to locate your computer where you can see what's going on. The law says that Web sites may not ask children under 13 for personal information without verified parent approval. Less stringent verification rules apply to children 13 and over. Children, as well as marketers, need to respect that law. You can also install software "filters" that help block access to sites considered off-limits for children. • Be aware that you are being observed by others when you enter chat rooms or newsgroups or leave messages on bulletin boards. That's because the Internet was designed for open communication. It's advisable not to provide your home address or telephone number, and in fact, many people use a different screen name when they enter these public areas to protect their identity. • Shop with reputable firms. In addition to checking with other sources, you can make sure the site is authentic by calling the company first or marking the site so you automatically return to it. Some sites display membership logos (including many DMA members), which can help build shoppers' confidence. • Get rid of unwanted e-mail ("spam") by deleting it. A click on the "delete" button is all it takes. While many online companies try to filter out unwanted e-mail, you are bound to get some. Your Internet service provider may be able to block you from getting unwanted e-mail. A word of caution. It's safe to read an e-mail from an unknown source but again, you should never download a separate file attachment from a stranger. You could pick up a computer virus that might damage your files or freeze your computer. At this point in your Internet experience, publishing your own Web page may seem far-fetched. But don't rule it out. Today, new software does much of the work for you. You might want to set up a personal Web page, or a Web page for a neighborhood club, or for an at-home business. Your Internet company may even "host" your page without additional cost.   Welcome • Things To Do Online • Let's Get Started • Word Savvy Web sites of Interest • Feedback • Back to CyberSavvy.org • Privacy Statement