Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Section 15.2 Internet Use in the Workplace 369 Be wary of how much information you share on social networking websites. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, visit the Identity Theft website provided by the Federal Trade Commission for resources and guidance. Time is of the essence, so if this unfortunate situation happens to you, act immediately. Create a Security Plan A security plan should be in place for your computer in general, any databases you maintain, and any mobile devices you have. Your employer will assist in creating a plan for your workplace equipment. If you have any suspicions about communicating with someone or giving your information via a website, do not proceed. Investigate the person or the company with whom you are dealing. You may be able to avoid a scam before it is too late. Consider downloading and running antivirus software for your mobile device. Many people rely on mobile devices. It is important to guard them against viruses that would disrupt a primary means of communication and expose personal data. Figure 15-3. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Following these tips can help protect you against being a victim of identity theft. Protect Yourself from Identity Theft • Be aware if someone is looking over your shoulder when you are using an ATM or making store purchases. • Don’t leave your receipt behind at the ATM. This could make you vulnerable to fraud. • Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you initiated the call. Avoid giving your card number out over a cordless phone. Radio scanners can eavesdrop on conversations on cordless phones. • Make certain you get your card back after you make a purchase. A good way to do this is to leave your wallet open in your hand until you have the card back. • Always keep a list of your credit cards, credit card numbers, and credit card company numbers in case your card is lost or stolen. • Shred bank and credit statements and credit card offers before throwing them away. Don’t mail checks from your home mailbox. Drop them off at the post office. Also, have new checks delivered to your bank, not your home. • Obtain your credit reports and scores. Make sure you recognize all the account information listed. • Close out unused credit cards. Cutting them up is not enough. • Avoid giving out your Social Security number. It is the prime target of identity thieves. Never put your Social Security number on your checks or your credit receipts. • Install a firewall and buy virus-protection software. If you dispose of a computer, remove data with a disk wipe utility program. • Don’t use the same password for all your accounts. Avoid using easily identifiable words or numbers.