There are many ways to protect yourself against online fraud.  Here are a few helpful resources providing prevention and education information:    

–OnGuard Online is a joint effort of the federal government and technology industry representatives to provide tips to consumers for protection against fraud, computer security, and protection of personal information.

–National Consumer League, a program of the National Consumers League, provides information on scams that involve fake checks and money orders.  The site has videos of hypothetical scam situations and video vignettes of victims of fraud.

–The National Cyber Security Alliance provides cyber security tips for home computer users, small businesses, and educational systems.

–Stay Safe is an educational program of Microsoft providing information on fraud prevention and data security.

For children and families:

–Internet Keep Safe Coalition provides tools to parents, educators, and children, with the goal of teaching children how to use technology and the internet safely.

–Connect Safety is primarily a site for teens and their parents, providing safety tips and a forum for discussing online safety.

–Get Net Wise is a project of the Internet Education Foundation.  The website provides information on security, privacy, and children’s safety. 

–i-SAFE is a nonprofit organization with the mission of educating and empowering youth to use the internet safely.  To meet this mission, i-SAFE provides education and outreach to children, parents, educators, and the general public.

–WebWiseKids uses creative interactive simulations of potentially dangerous online situations such as fraud, cyber stalking, cyber bullying, and piracy to teach children how to have safe internet experiences.