Each time you log onto the Internet, you are announcing your arrival as though you are visiting an old friend. As a consumer and user, you should be very careful when going on-line. How is this possible? Because within every computer is an ID number just like a social security number telling the company in cyber space who is calling or entering their site.

Each time you visit a site that asks for personal information. and it doesn't have a privacy policy, SKIP IT! Never fill out information that say "optional." Or allow unsecured information of your to come up on the computer screen.

Staying Safe:
Do not respond to emails asking for any of the following:
Your password and email address Confirmation of your credit card number or expiration date
Bank account numbers
Social security numbers
Drivers license number
Your First or Last name
Never, ever respond to an email that asks you to update your information.
Do not answer correctly questions that may appear harmless like your date of birth.

Many sites today look like the ones we deal on a regular basis. For example, paypal or america on line or even your bank. Either call them by phone or log directly into the web site address of the company making the request.

When dealing with companies; to go http://www.consumer.gov/. This site is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission and offers buyers guides, tips, and links to other useful resources.

To insure your safety from an abuser or on-line stalker on the Internet, make sure that if you have an e-mail account that you select a password that no one knows but you. If you receive threatening or harassing email, print it out and save it. Then go to your phone book and look up the telephone number for you local US Attorney's Office. Sending this type of e-mail could be a federal offense and this office will be able to provide you with information detailing your options.

If you are a parent there is an interactive site not only for your kids, but it provides a menu of resources for parents. www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/internet/sites.html

Once a year get a copy of your credit report. Your credit report should list all bank accounts and financial accounts under your name, and will provide other indications of whether someone has wrongfully opened or used any accounts in your name.

When shopping at any retail store and your in the process of checking out, after running your credit card through that machine in from of you, if the store clerk asks you to sign in the box, politely refuse,instead, ask for a hard copy to sign. If there is a carbon, also ask for that from the clerk and shred it when you go home. That innocent process of signing in the little box, is also another form of identity theft. Did you ever ask or think about where that signature of your is going? Someone in cyberland does!

Even though you think you know how to be safe and what to watch out for on the Internet, I have a newsflash for you. Within five years 1 in 4 adults will be victims of identity theft.

Susan Murphy Milano is the author of "Moving Out Moving On" the book deals with relationships gone wrong including identity theft. For more information visit www.movingoutmovingon.com