Identity theft
Identity theft is when your personal information is used without your knowledge or permission. This can take a variety of forms, and, in the worst case, it can involve criminals using your information to steal money from you or to open bank accounts or credit cards in your name. While this may not seem a problem if you don’t yet have a credit card, it might damage your chances of getting one when you’re older.
Personal information can be accessed from your computer or at a public computer terminal. With sufficient information, criminals can make credit card purchases, apply for loans or transfer money directly from your bank, while pretending to be you.
Criminals use many methods to gather personal information, including sending viruses and spam, and setting up fake websites. You can also have your identity ‘stolen’ if someone uses your personal information to impersonate you online. They might pretend to be you on MSN, make a fake profile of you or hack into your actual profile!
Tips
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Watch your blog/profile. If your profile has been hacked shut it down asap.
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Use secure websites for online shopping and banking. Make sure the website is secure. More secure website addresses start with ‘https’ rather than the less secure ‘http’. Alternatively, a padlock image should appear in the browser.
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Protect passwords. Passwords should be eight or more characters in length. Change them regularly and don’t write them down or store them where they are openly available. Never share your passwords, even with your friends—it could be misused to access your MSN, email or profile.
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It’s not just your passwords. Don’t post personally identifiable information online. Each little bit of information can be put together by identity thieves to build a total picture and steal your identity. Set profiles to private and don’t blog or tweet personal information.
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Watch your bank account. Respond immediately to any unexpected withdrawals or spending. Look out for small amounts of money being withdrawn unexpectedly. This may be a criminal testing your account details prior to withdrawing a larger amount.
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Don’t get phished. Don’t respond to calls or emails from any bank asking for passwords or other details. Banks never send emails asking you to click through to their site—if the email asks you to click on a link, chances are it’s a scam. If you receive a call from someone saying they’re from the bank, hang up and call back at the publicly listed number to see if it’s real.