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Kenilworth Police Department
General Internet Safety
The Internet is an opportunity for you to interact with people. It provides a
communication link to businesses, entertainment, and education. Through the Internet you
can interact with people from other towns, cities, and countries. You can learn about
other cultures, customs and lifestyles. It is an opportunity to make new friends and learn
more about the world in which we live.
However, the Internet by design is an anonymous media. This aspect can make it easy for
someone to use the Internet for criminal means. Because you are 'speaking' with someone
via your computer, it is nearly impossible to verify many things about that person. These
may include:
The Person's Identity - The Person with whom you are speaking
may not be using their real name. It is possible with some Internet Service Providers
(ISP's) to check the account information of someone you've had contact with. However, that
person may have been using someone else's account or may have provided false information
to the ISP.
The Person's Description - We often take for granted the
ability to see the person we are speaking with. However, on the Internet nothing can be
verified. You can not use your eyes to verify the person's age, race, or even gender.
The Person's Location - On the Internet it is very easy for
someone to say they are one place, when in reality they could be around the corner or
across the country.
The Person's Intentions - Most people use the internet for
honest and honorable intentions. However, someone who exploits the Internet, especially
criminals and conartists, can seem very straightforward at first, but they are experts at
manipulation. They use confidence-scams, or even just friendly conversation, to make you
believe what they want you to believe. Then they have you act on that belief.
Connection Security - Internet security is very important and
new technologies are being developed everyday to ensure your protection. However, there
are persons out there who know how to intercept communications. Your communication with a
known friend or acquaintance could be seen by others. There is also no guarantee that the
person you are 'speaking' with is acting alone or uses good security with your
information.
Common sense tempered with caution is still your best protection. Listed below are some
safety tips you should use when communicating on-line:
- Do not give out any personal information, home address or phone number. If you are using
a 'nickname' don't give out your real name to anyone you don't know. If you are listed in
the phone book, they can use it to find you.
- Do not give anyone your account password. No legitimate and reputable ISP will send you
a message or e-mail asking for your password or account information. Many hackers know how
to send you messages that appear to be from your ISP. If you receive one of these messages
contact your provider immediately!.
- Do not give out any personal account information such as internet account or personal
financial accounts (credit card or checking/saving accounts) until you are absolutely sure
of their credibility and connection security.
- Do not arrange a personal meeting with anyone you have met on the Internet unless, and
until, you are able to verify their true identity and can arrange the following:
 | Meet in a public place that is well lighted and busy. |
| Meet during busy business hours and not close to closing or after dark. |
| Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting. |
| Bring a friend; Double-date. Do not meet the person alone! |
REMEMBER:
A stranger you meet on the Internet is just like a stranger you meet in a bar, restaurant,
or on the street!! Use the same precautions you use in these situations, when meeting
people on the Internet!!
If you do have suspicions about someone you may have spoken with on the Internet, or if
you have in someway been offended or threatened, contact your service provider
immediately. Give them as much information about the situation as possible. This should
include any contact information, such as on-screen name, account information (name,
address, phone, account number) and/or e-mail address. You should also be straight-forward
as to how you were offended or threatened. Most ISP's provide on-line information on
reporting such incidents. Be familiar with your provider's procedures.
If at any time you suspect criminal activity is taking place, or if you are threatened
or harassed, you may contact the Kenilworth Police Department by calling 9-1-1. Be ready
to provide the above information to the responding officer.
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