Your personal information

Never respond to an e-mail asking you to confirm an account number
Or any other personal information. If you use Internet banking, type the address in your browser for the bank, do not follow a link to the bank etc.  Organisations such as banks, online auction sites and credit card companies, never send out e-mails asking for personal information, or asking you to update personal information

E-mails

Some golden rules
·Never open an e-mail from a stranger
·Never open an attachment that you did not know
  was being sent to you, even if it is from a friend
·If you send an attachment to someone, e-mail him
  or her first to let them know it is on its way
·Never respond to an e-mail asking to confirm any
  details to do with banking etc.
·Never give your e-mail address to strangers online
·Never “unsubscribe” from a SPAM or unwanted
  e-mail sent to you – that is just a way of them
  confirming your address is active, which means
  you will certainly receive a lot more SPAM.  Just delete the message immediately

Test yourself

Chat rooms and message boards

These are excellent ways for you to find and talk to people all over the world. They can be really good fun, and are easy to use. But remember the following rules:
screen shot of a chat room

Never give out your real name
Purposefully most chat and message systems encourage you to use a user name, not your real name.  This is to protect you. If you want to use a name, use your first name, never your family name.  If anyone asks you your real name, do not give it to him or her; think about why they want your name. Is it relevant? Why do they want it?

Never give out your address or town
It is much better to say you live in East Midlands, than say you live in Nottingham, or even better – specify your location as the country you live in. Again ask yourself why someone would want your address. If they ask you, stop, and ask the questions: am I comfortable about a stranger knowing my address? Why do they want to know it?

Never give out your phone number
Again – why would anyone want it?  Your phone number is like an address.  The dialling code specifies your district to quite a small area.  Mobile phones however are not regional specific, and present a lesser risk. However if anyone asks you your phone number, do not give it to him or her. Again ask yourself the question: why are they asking me for it? If someone gives you his or her phone number do not dial it.  If you really decide that is what you want to do, withhold your number form them