Identity over the Internet

The Internet is like any other communication medium: it is made up of fact and fiction. There is nothing that you can see on your browser that can help you discover whether what you see is the truth or a complete lie.

Protect your Identity

It is a sad but true: the only way you can protect your identity is to assume that every page you visit on the Internet could have been placed there by someone who wants to steal your identity. Don't make it easy for them.

Who is this site that is asking you for your name, date of birth, email address and maybe even a security question like your mother's maiden name? Do they need that information before they transfer you to the shopping cart? Be aware. Assume that they are an email harvester looking to sell all your data to the highest bidder.

Know who they are

Before you give anyone your identity, do you know who they are? A short checklist:

• Does the page requesting your personal data start with https://...? Is it the same name as the domain you were visiting before you went to the form requesting your personal data?
• Does the site have a physical address and phone number? Do they offer more than just an email address or contact form?
• Is the name and address the same on the site and on the Whois register for the site?
• How long ago was the site registered?
• What information do the search engines have about the site? Read forum and blog posts: the best source of information if a business or address is associated with a scam.
• Do they have a privacy statement?
• Are they registered under the Data Protection Act? - if they are collecting personal information, they need to be registered.
• Are they a member of a reputable trade body? Are they listed in the currently membership of the trade body with the same contact details?
• Is there a means of complaining or enquiring for more information?