Are You A Safe Surfer? Protect Your Identity!

    Consumer Awareness Week Offers Tips For Fighting Identity Theft

    TORONTO, April 2 /CNW/ - Anyone with a computer and a connection to the
Internet can fall victim to identity theft, and young consumers are especially
vulnerable.
    As part of Consumer Awareness Week, the Ontario government is urging
young consumers to keep their personal and financial information private and
secure.
    An estimated 60 percent of young people in Canada use social networking
websites such as Facebook and MySpace. Identity thieves can take simple
information such as your birthday or your pet's name, as clues to common
passwords and steal your identity.
    On March 28, Ontario launched a young consumer awareness campaign that
focuses on smart money management, credit education, identity theft and social
networking security.

    QUOTES

    "Young people are not always aware of the risks when they post their
detailed life history.  Everyone using these sites should be careful to
protect their identity and personal information," said Chris Ferguson,
Director of Ontario's Consumer Protection Branch.

    QUICK TIPS-   Limit the personal information you give out online. Never share your
        passwords with anyone.
    -   Understand that information exchanged in chat rooms, bulletin boards
        and social network sites is not private.
    -   Before giving out your credit card number or other financial
        information, make sure the Internet browser is protected and secure.
    -   Install fire-wall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and security software,
        and keep it up to date.

    LEARN MORE

    Learn more about Consumer Awareness Week
    (http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/News/226874.html)

    Read more about your rights as an Ontario consumer
    (http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/ConsProt/STEL01_132036.html)

    Order your 2008 Smart Consumer Calendar today
    (http://www.gov.on.ca/MGS/en/ConsProt/050451.html)

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For further information: Greg Dennis, Minister's Office, [phone];
Ciaran Ganley, Communications Branch, [phone]