Identity theft -- Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other personal identifiable information to commit fraud or other online crimes.

Phishing -- A growing problem in which criminals send out spam or pop-up messages to lure victims into sharing their personal and financial information. Quite often, phishers disguise themselves as well-known businesses. They make the fraudulent email appear to be coming from the company’s Web site -- and even steal its logos.

Privacy policy -- A privacy policy is a statement posted on the organization's web site explaining what information the web site collects and how this information is used. A privacy policy is typically posted in a common location on all pages, such as in the web site's footer, and is also linked to from forms that collect personal information from users. The privacy policy states clearly describes how personal information (such as email addresses and users' names) is collected and used, whether this information is shared with third-parties or sold, and any options users have to hide their personal information.

Privacy seals -- Privacy seals signify that a company respectfully uses the personal information you provide. Privacy seal certificaiton requires a company to undergo an extensive certification process that exposes internal data collection and usage processes. Seal programs also offer ongoing monitoring, and you can file a complaint with the issuing authority if you feel there has been misconduct.

Social networking -- Social networking sites are the hippest "meet market" around, especially among tweens, teens, and 20-somethings. These sites encourage and allow people to exchange information about themselves, and use blogs, chat rooms, email, or instant messaging to communicate with the world-at-large. But while they can increase a person's circle of friends, they also can increase exposure to people who have less-than-friendly intentions, including sexual predators.

Spam scams -- Spam refers to unwanted, unsolicited email. Some email users have lost money to bogus offers that arrived as spam in their inbox. Con artists are very cunning; they know how to make their claims seem legitimate. Some spam messages ask for your business, others invite you to a website with a detailed pitch.

Spyware -- Spyware is software installed on your computer without your consent to monitor or control your computer use. Clues that spyware is on a computer include a barrage of pop-up ads, a browser that takes you to sites you don't want, unexpected toolbars or icons on your computer screen, keys that don't work, random error messages, and sluggish performance when opening programs or saving files.

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