Internet Safety
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he Internet is an opportunity for you to interact with people.
It provides a communication link to businesses, entertainment,
and education. Through the Internet you can interact with people
from other towns, cities, and countries. You can learn about other
cultures, customs and lifestyles. It is an opportunity to make
new friends and learn more about the world in which we live.
However, the Internet by design is an anonymous media. This
aspect can make it easy for someone to use the Internet for
criminal means. Because you are 'speaking' with someone via
your computer, it is nearly impossible to verify many things
about that person. These may include:
The Person's Identity - The Person
with whom you are speaking may not be using their real name.
It is possible with some Internet Service Providers (ISP's)
to check the account information of someone you've had contact
with. However, that person may have been using someone else's
account or may have provided false information to the ISP.
The Person's Description - We often
take for granted the ability to see the person we are speaking
with. However, on the Internet nothing can be verified.
You can not use your eyes to verify the person's age, race,
or even gender.
The Person's Location - On the
Internet it is very easy for someone to say they are one
place, when in reality they could be around the corner or
across the country.
The Person's Intentions - Most
people use the internet for honest and honorable intentions.
However, someone who exploits the Internet, especially criminals
and conartists, can seem very straightforward at first,
but they are experts at manipulation. They use confidence-scams,
or even just friendly conversation, to make you believe
what they want you to believe. Then they have you act on
that belief.
Connection Security - Internet
security is very important and new technologies are being
developed everyday to ensure your protection. However, there
are persons out there who know how to intercept communications.
Your communication with a known friend or acquaintance could
be seen by others. There is also no guarantee that the person
you are 'speaking' with is acting alone or uses good security
with your information.
Common sense tempered with caution is still your best protection.
Listed below are some safety tips you should use when communicating
on-line:
- Do not give out any personal information, home address or
phone number. If you are using a 'nickname' don't give out
your real name to anyone you don't know. If you are listed
in the phone book, they can use it to find you.
- Do not give anyone your account password. No legitimate
and reputable ISP will send you a message or e-mail asking
for your password or account information. Many hackers know
how to send you messages that appear to be from your ISP.
If you receive one of these messages contact your provider
immediately!.
- Do not give out any personal account information such as
internet account or personal financial accounts (credit card
or checking/saving accounts) until you are absolutely sure
of their credibility and connection security.
- Do not arrange a personal meeting with anyone you have met
on the Internet unless, and until, you are able to verify
their true identity and can arrange the following:
- Meet in a public place that is well lighted and busy.
- Meet during busy business hours and not close to closing
or after dark.
- Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting.
- Bring a friend; Double-date. Do not
meet the person alone!
Remember
A stranger you meet on the Internet is just like a stranger
you meet in a bar, restaurant, or on the street!! Use the same
precautions you use in these situations, when meeting people
on the Internet!!
If you do have suspicions about someone you may have spoken
with on the Internet, or if you have in someway been offended
or threatened, contact your service provider immediately. Give
them as much information about the situation as possible. This
should include any contact information, such as on-screen name,
account information (name, address, phone, account number) and/or
e-mail address. You should also be straight-forward as to how
you were offended or threatened. Most ISP's provide on-line
information on reporting such incidents. Be familiar with your
provider's procedures.
If at any time you suspect criminal activity is taking place,
or if you are threatened or harassed, you may contact the Philadelphia
Police Department by calling 9-1-1. Be ready to provide the
above information to the responding officer.
| Information
listed here is believed to be current at the time of publication.
However, some of the material presented here may have expired
since it was posted. Persons should contact a Philadelphia Police
representative whenever relying on dated material or information
that is subject to change. |
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