Losing Your Good
Name Online

All it takes is your Social Security Number, and
somebody can steal your identity -- and the Net's
making it easier for the bad guys.


This is a very good article about things you can
do to prevent your identity from being stolen.  Some
of the tips are:

1.  Keep your Social Security Number tightly
     guarded.  These numbers can open a floodgate
     of information.

2.  Internet service providers won't ask for your
     passwords.  Anyone who does is likely to be a
     scam artist.

3.  Don't open attachments if they're from a stranger.
     They can launch 'sniffers' or Trojan horses --
     programs that steal and spread passwords.

4.  Check Privacy Policies.  Web retailers need
     personal data to make a sale.  Be sure they aren't
     going to pass it around.