Identity Theft and Internet Safety - Handout

Identity Theft and Internet Safety

Credit Score/Credit History
To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228. Or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Do not contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228 or mailing to Annual Credit Report Request Service.

Passwords
• Do not use personal information in your password
• Avoid using real words as your password
• Be sure your password is secure
Choose longer passwords
• Don’t recycle your passwords
• Use caution when saving your password
• Change your password often
• Never save passwords on your computer

Computer Dangers
Malware: any malicious software designed to secretly access your computer
Virus: Malware that copies itself and infects your computers and files
Worm: Malware that self-replicates and sends itself to other computers on your network
Trojan horse: Software that pretends to be useful but is really malware
Phishing: When cybercriminals try to get sensitive information from you, like credit card numbers and passwords.
Spoofing: When cybercriminals try to get into your computer by masquerading as trusted sources
Pharming: When website traffic is redirected to a bogus website, usually an ecommerce or banking site
Catfishing: someone who pretends to be someone they're not using Facebook or other social media to create false identities, particularly to pursue deceptive online romances.