Frequently Asked Questions
I believe I may have been a victim of identity theft, who do I call?
File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of a crime.
Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission by Online: www.ftc.gov/idtheft By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338), or TTY 1-866-653-4261 By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20580
Friends tell me that I need a firewall...Why?
A firewall blocks unwanted access to your computer that could corrupt your data and operating system. While the virus checker looks at programs the firewall looks for unwanted traffic/data going from and to your computer. This unwanted traffic usually comes from a location with the intent to compromise your computer by installing a virus or Trojan horse. A Trojan horse is a program that has been installed on your computer without your knowledge. These programs are used for purposes such as gathering personal data, damaging your software and monitoring both your web usage and keystrokes.
I was the winning bid on an internet auction site. I sent the seller a money order for the item, but never received it. Where can I go to file a complaint?
Internet auction fraud can be reported by filing a complaint on line with The Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov The IC3 is an alliance between the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). IC3 provides an analytical repository for Internet Crime Complaints. IC3 analyzes and refers all fraudulent activity identified on the Internet to appropriate local, state, and federal law enforcement authority. To file an internet crime complaint, visit the IC3 website.
Who do I notify of Spam and Phishing emails?
Email: spam@uce.gov
Forward unsolicited commercial email (spam), including phishing messages, directly
to the FTC at spam@uce.gov. These messages will be stored in a database law
enforcement agencies use in their investigations.
How do I select and maintain a virus checker?
Virus checkers have an automatic update feature that will keep your virus checker current. Because new viruses are constantly being created, these protection programs use a virus data-reference file that resides on your hard drive. Setting the automatic update feature will enable the virus checker to keep this file up-to-date without your intervention. In most cases, this automatic update is the best way to protect your computer from viral invasion.
What are cookies? Are they bad for my computer?
A cookie is a piece of text that a Web server can store on a user's hard disk and used as marketing information for the issuer. Cookies allow a Web site to store information on any user's machine and later retrieve it. The pieces of information are stored as name-value pairs. For example, a Web site might generate a unique ID number for each visitor and store the ID number on each user's machine using a cookie file.
How do I reduce the number of phone calls from telemarketers?
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry by calling (888) 382-1222, or visit the website @ www.donotcall.gov. If you continue to receive calls after being registered, complaints can be filed at the Do Not Call website or with the Federal Trade Commission. Visit the FTC website at www.ftc.gov or call (877) 382-4357.
How do I opt out of mailing lists?
To opt out of mailing lists call 1-888-567-8688, or visit the Opt-Out website at http://opt-out.cdt.org
