The Internet allows investors to access account information 24/7, initiate securities transactions from virtually anywhere, and quickly and offer inexpensively research for investment opportunities. But the Internet is not fail-safe.
The following tips will help you to invest wisely online: |
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Protect your passwords for your online investment accounts. Keep passwords in a secure place, and don't share them on the Internet, over email, or on the phone. |
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Don't reply to spam unless you're certain that the message comes from a legitimate source. This includes not responding to such messages that offer an option to "Remove me from your list." |
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Don't give personal information in an e-mail or instant message . It could be a trick. Most legitimate companies won't ask for personal information by e-mail. |
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Think twice before opening attachments or clicking links in e-mail or instant messages, even if you know the sender. If you cannot confirm with the sender that an attachment or link is safe, delete the message. |
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Don't buy anything or give to any charity promoted through spam emails. Spammers often swap or sell the e-mail addresses of those who have bought from them, so buying something through spam may result in even more spam. |
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Criminals use spam to prey on people's desire to help others. If you receive an e-mail request from a charity you'd like to support, avoid donation scams by calling the organization directly to find out how to contribute. |
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Don't forward chain e-mail messages. Not only do you lose control over who sees your e-mail address, but you also may be furthering a hoax or aiding in the delivery of a virus. |
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If you receive abusive, harassing, or threatening e-mail messages or have been the target of a phishing e-mail scam, report it to CERT-MU. |
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Report phishing scams and other fraudulent e-mail to the company that has been misrepresented and also to CERT-MU. Contact the organization directly and not through the e-mail you received. |