The following suggestions could help you avoid online fraud

• Delete spam - do not open it or reply to it, not even to ask to be removed from a mailing list. When you reply, you confirm to the senders that they have reached an active e-mail account.
  
• Use caution when you click links in an e-mail message, text message, pop-up window, or instant message. Instead, type Web addresses in a Web browser, or use your online bookmarks.
  
• Do not open e-mail attachments or click instant message download links, unless you know who sent the message and you were expecting the attachment or link.
  
• Be cautious about providing your personal or financial information online. Never fill out forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal or financial information.
  
• Create strong passwords and avoid using the same password for your bank and other important accounts. For more information, see Password Management.
  
• Use Internet Explorer 8 or similar Web browsers that include an additional layer of protection with sites that use Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates. With Internet Explorer 8, the address bar turns green to notify you that there is more information available about the Web site you are visiting. The identity of the Web site owner is also displayed on the address bar. 
  
• Install the latest security updates and turn on the automatic update feature.
  
• Make sure your computer's firewall is turned on and that you use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, which should also be regularly updated. 
  
• Check your bank and credit card statements closely to identify and report any transactions that are not legitimate. 
  
• NEVER pay bills, bank, shop, or conduct other financial transactions on a public or shared computer, or over a public wireless network UNLESS if you are using a Personal IronKey.

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