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How to Protect Your Private Information Online (continued from page 1)
Cover Your Tracks.
Many sites make it possible to have one's name removed from their search results. The Privacy Rights Clearinghousee Web site contains a comprehensive list of data and their opt-out policies. This can be a time consuming and tedious project, as your name may be on dozens of sites. However, at least one service has sprung up to assist people who want to remove their names from these people finder sites. MyPublicInfo.Inc recently began offering it IdentitySweep service which for $4.95 a month will comb about 50 different sites for personal information. At the consumer's request, the company will fill out all of the opt-out paperwork necessary and will monitor the sites to make sure the information stays removed.
Guard Your Information.
Most privacy advocates agree the the best way to sheild your online identity is to avoid giving out personal information in the first place. This can be as simple as not signing up for supermarket's loyalty card, mailing in those warranty cards that come with new purchases, or entering sweepstakes. Be especially careful not to disclose personal information in discussion groups, chat rooms or blogs. Limit exposure to spammers by not including your email address on websites.
Protect your Social Security Number is probable the most important, since identity thieves can use the data to get credit under victims' names. You should give that number out for tax, credit and unemployment purposes. There are four things to ask when someone asks for your Social Security Number: How will you use it? How will you protect it? Is it really necessary for this transaction? What if I don't give it to you? Since much information comes from such common sources as property records and utility service requests, security consultsants advise those who are really serious about protecting themselves to take more serious steps such as setting up a land trust so you can purchase property and start utility service anonymously.
Start Yesterday.
Unfortunately, all these efforts take time to bear fruit. Al the while, the information already on line remains available to anyone with the time, a computer and internet connection.
