http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/internet/domains/online-privacy-safety-and-identity-protection-more-now-than-ever.html http://www.articletrader.com/internet/domains/online-privacy-safety-and-identity-protection-more-now-than-ever.html Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500 sell your handicrafts, find a sweetheart, find a new home, blog and even pay your bills. Consumers: Beware! While you have access to the endless sources on the internet so do billions and billions of other people. Many of the so called "other people" have invented countless malicious schemes to harm and defraud you, steal your identity and empty your bank accounts.


Most consumers are not aware that upon registering a domain name, their name, address, telephone number and e-mail address are made public worldwide and can be accessed by anyone at anytime in the WHOIS. The information made public could be especially harmful for battered spouses, home businesses that deal with large amounts of cash, expensive inventory, antiques or the collector that showcases valuable collections.


With identity theft on the rise, a thief sometimes only needs a minimum of information to cause years of harm, hardship or worse. Whether your website is a family album, hobby, antique or coin collection, club, blog or storefront, caution must be taken. The consumer must be informed of the dangers online and safer options against privacy intrusions.


Most of the time only common sense precautions are needed to avoid being. Your first rule should be: Never give anyone more information than you would give to a suspicious stranger on a street corner! Your second rule should be: Never respond to unsolicited e-mail. Especially when you are requested to release or verify personal information. No reputable company will ask you for personal or identifying information in a email. If you are in doubt, contact the company directly, not through the email you have received.


If you are a website owner, you should begin by obtaining .Private Domain Name Registration. That should be step one of protecting you online identity. If you have a e-commerce website that requires an address be displayed, rent a box at your local post office for a minimal fee. A website holds a wealth of information about a person, family or home business. However, millions of people are unknowingly offering the same information to billions of strangers worldwide everyday.


Do not take chances when it comes to your safety. There is no complete or one remedy to stop identity theft, data miners, harassment or stalking. When we all use common sense, inform and educate consumers of the dangers that await them on the internet, we are all contributing to the prevention of online fraud and identity theft, together we will all someday be part of the solution.







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Domain registrar and Web hosting provider Private Domain Depot is committed to informing the public of alternatives in domain name registration while providing high quality internet products loaded with the latest technology and customer service that make their customer's Internet presence a safe, productive and enjoyable experience.


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