Before you provide any personal financial information to a web site, check the site's privacy policy. Find out how your information will be used or shared with others and what security features are in place to protect your information from being fraudulently obtained.

Keep your personal information private. Do not disclose your address, telephone number, your Social Security number, bank account number or email address, unless you know who is collecting the information, why they are collecting it and how they will use it.

Make certain the web sites you frequent are owned by reliable businesses. Look for trustmarks or seals from trusted third-party organizations, like the Better Business Bureau's BBBOnLine program, that indicate the business has met high privacy protection and other safe e-commerce standards.

 Give payment information only to businesses you know and trust, and only when and where it is appropriate. Never give your password to anyone online; even your Internet Service Provider. Do not download files sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks from people you do not know. Opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus or a program that could hijack your modem  For more information and updates on how to protect your privacy online, visit the BBBOnLine web site.

Review your credit card and bank account statements promptly and carefully, each and every month. Look for errors or unauthorized purchases. Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your credit or debit card or checkbook is lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.

Keep records of your online transactions and read your email. Merchants may send you important information about your purchases.  Whether you are shopping, banking or investing on the Internet the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission encourage you to make sure your transactions are secure and your personal information is protected. The following tips are suggested :http://www.bbb.org/alerts/business.asp

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