The Internet has become a huge and widely used tool for, both, pleasure and work. Whatever your use, several precautions should be taken when "surfing the web". To help protect you and your family from becoming a victim of a "Cyber-Scam" or other computer crime, take these precautions to help increase your chances from becoming a victim.

• When shopping online, shop only with those companies that you know. Most companies list an address or phone number so purchases can be made by either telephone, fax, or by mail. If these options are available, it is always best to make your purchases this way. If the company does not list an address or phone number you may consider shopping elsewhere. You may also request a catalog and further research the company prior to making your purchase.
• Do not give out credit card information over the Internet, unless you are using a secure browser that encrypts or scrambles your information.
• Never give out your social security number, bank account information or other important personal information over the Internet. Any transactions that absolutely require this information should be conducted by mail, fax or telephone.
• Teach your children not to give out their full name, address, telephone number, or other personal information.
• Know what your children are doing on the Internet. If they are chatting in chat rooms, find out whom they are talking to and what they are talking about. The person on the other end may not be who they say they are. Someone who says they are a 10 year old girl can be a 40 year old man, so your children’s conversations should be monitored for content and age appropriateness. For parents who wish to block or limit their children’s access to undesirable websites, chat rooms,etc., Internet software may be purchased and installed.
• Never give out passwords. Your Internet provider does not ask for you password, so no one else should either.
• Remember- not everything on the Internet is true. If it sounds too good to be true- it probably is. Don’t fall for bogus scams.
• Never plan to meet someone face-to-face after chatting with him or her online. Also, never tell them where you live or give them your telephone number, no matter how well you think you "know" them. Just because they sound friendly, it doesn’t mean they are.

If you become a victim of Internet fraud or other Internet crime, contact the police department in your jurisdiction to file a police report. Be sure to document any activity that has occurred and keep any documents, e-mail, etc. that can be of help to the police.

Check out our website for past crime tips by logging onto our website at www.nmsupolice.com.