Simple Precautions can reduce the risk of Identity Theft

Many of us over-50s neglect precautions on the internet that we take as normal in the real world.

If you wouldn't do it in a foreign flea market don't do it here!

Us a nick-name when visiting a community site.

Don't use your real name on a community site like Retired but Active.

Likewise don't give out your address unless something has to be delivered to your door. A community site can legitimately ask the region where you live but not your full postal address.

Set up a seperate e-mail address.

Shortcut to the Hotmail site to set up an additional e-mail addrsss

There are several free mailing systems available on the web. Avail yourself of one or more.

If a site keeps sending you spam and other unwanted material, just discontinue the new address and be done with it.

Make your e-mail address difficult to guess.

There's no point having the nick-name 'Jack the Lad' if you give an e-mail address 'james.cameron@hotmail.com' Mix letters and numbers so that the spammers can't guess your address 'jack1943thelad@hotmail.com for instance.

Look out for Phishing

If anyone asks you for your passwords or other personal data asks yourself is this real?

Phishers try to steal your identity by asking you for it in a credible format, usually by pretending to be your bank, or internet provider.

Remember these people already know your password, so why would they want it confirmed?