How to Avoid Giving Personal Information to Web Sites

Avoid giving your Social Security number to anyone online for any reason unless you are certain that the site is trustworthy and the browser connection is secure.

When shopping online, make sure the site is secure before providing your name and address.

Be selective when registering with Web sites. Read the company's privacy policy before providing personal information. Look for a little box somewhere in the registration form that grants your permission for the company to send you mail or, worse, sell your personal information. This box is often prechecked. Uncheck it if you do not wish to receive mail from the site.

If you don't see any privacy information in the registration process, look for a statement somewhere on the site that describes the company's policy. If you don't find one, send e-mail to the site's Webmaster. Ask that your information not be used.

If you get e-mail from a site where you registered or shopped, and you didn't request it, look for a way to 'unsubscribe' described at the bottom of the e-mail message. If you don't find one, try writing back to the e-mail address and asking to be taken off the mailing list.

When posting to a Web-based discussion board, use only your first name or use a fake name. Avoid providing any contact information other than your e-mail address and the URL of your Web page.

Try setting your browser to reject cookies, but realize that many site features won't work without cookies. (Cookies are what makes it possible, for example, for a site to know that you've been there before.)