Using the Internet Safely For Seniors

Figure 3-13

Typically, these prize awards require all sorts of information from you

for “authorization” and for “transferring the funds to your bank” —

which is scammer language for “We’re going to steal your identity and

empty your bank account.” They may also try convincing you to send

money to cover “handling costs” that for some reason have to be paid

before they can send you what you “won.”

Never provide information about yourself or others to any site that you

do not know and trust. Look for clear terms and conditions and a pri-

vacy policy that protects you. An amazing number of people forget

these common sense rules, and provide tons of information to spuri-

ous sites that don’t even offer a privacy policy. They pay dearly for it.

Fortunately, you’ve been around the block a couple of times and know

that you just don’t get something for nothing.

Even going to the Web sites these sweepstakes and contests direct you

to is taking a risk; the Web sites are highly likely to download malware

(malicious software) onto your computer if you don’t have anti-virus

or anti-spyware software in place. (See Chapter 15 for information on

obtaining and using anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.)

Spam attempting to collect personal information

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Chapter 3: Raise Your Safety Bar Today