BE SAFE FROM YOUR COMPUTER TO YOUR DOOR Internet Safety, Identity Theft, Online Shopping and Mail Delivery INTERNET SAFETY Enjoy being a part of the internet community and practice internet safety. Use and regularly update security software. Use strong passwords and limit the sharing of personal, financial and medical information. Identify and use secure/encrypted websites when sending personal information, shopping or banking online. Use privacy settings to control the release of personal information on social media. Keep up to date on recent online scams. Don’t assume that WiFi Hotspots are secure and take steps to secure your wireless network at home. Protect your wireless devices from theft and loss and install anti-theft software when possible. IDENTITY THEFT Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. Keep track of anything that shows personal, financial, or medical information. Don’t leave personal information in plain sight at work, at home or in your car and shred all similar documents and mail before throwing it away. Don’t respond to email, text, and phone messages that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies don’t ask for information this way. Check your credit report annually and report any questionable activity immediately. ONLINE SHOPPING You wouldn’t shop in a store that made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Use the same guide when shopping online. Shop stores with names you recognize, that have good reputations and that use secure websites. Check for customer service ratings and return policies. Shop using credit cards, not debit cards, when shopping online to safeguard your finances and provide some consumer protection. Review credit card and bank statements regularly. MAIL DELIVERY Packages and mail left in view are targets for thieves. Bring them in promptly and ask neighbors to watch for expected deliveries. Choose safe delivery options, including delivery appointments, delivery to local stores or drop locations such as Amazon Lockers or UPS stores. Be on the look out for suspicious visitors or vehicles in your neighborhood. To learn more about these and other crime prevention topics visit sjpd.org or contact the San Jose Police Department Crime Prevention Unit (408) 277-4133.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Jan 2014 03:59:37 +0000