Note: This is an on going part of a look at six issues that we face in keeping our children and students safe online. We’ll be looking at the issue, discussing some solutions and recommending some free and commercial software that can help protect the children you work with online.

The issue: Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are intended to get you (and your child) to give up important information that can be used in identity theft. You may be directed to a site that looks exactly like the true site, but the information you enter such as your user name and password, are received by the scammers who now can access your accounts.

Solutions:

– Teach your children never to submit their full name, address or other personal information without your consent.
– If you go to a link offered in an email, check to see if there is an “s” after the HTTP in the address at the top and a lock at the bottom of the screen that indicates the web site is secure and encrypts data
– Most companies never ask customers to confirm personal information by sending an email.
– A good practice is to not use links offered in an email, but to go to the website directly (type the address you usually use to access the site)