Are you one who has been on the internet from the time it has evolved and now can't live without it, whatever the security issues concerned with it? But are you worried about all the internet thefts and frauds you get to hear about? Being informed can keep you out of trouble.

Internet theft is an increasing internet scam which can be prevented. Emails could lure internet users to websites that ask for passwords, credit card numbers, etc. With this information someone can choose your name, credit card number, other personal information for his/her own use and this is what internet theft is - in short identity theft is when someone steals your personal information without your knowledge with intent to commit fraud or theft.

Imagine the possibilities for these identity thieves. They can open a new credit card account using your name. Imagine when they don't pay the bills and the offensive account is reported on your credit report. They can change the address of the credit card statements by just a phone call thus you won't be aware of the issue immediately. They can get phone services in your name and even open bank accounts and write bad checks on that account.

Internet fraud refers to any fraud scheme that takes place over the internet, like in chat rooms, e-mail. Websites, etc. Internet frauds sometimes also include internet thefts. Internet frauds take place in shapes of;

v Presenting fraudulent solicitations to prospective victims

v Conducting fraudulent transactions

v Transmitting the proceeds of fraud to financial institutions

The scariest thing is that these frauds can take place so quickly that one will not be aware of what happened till he/she is in trouble.

Most of these fraud schemes are ones which existed even before the internet came into our lives. They have just got online. Some of these are;

v Auction schemes

v Business opportunities / Work at home schemes

v Investment schemes

v Credit card schemes

While steps are being taken by the department of justice to combat internet fraud, you can take the following precautions to be secure on the internet. Keep your personal information private, be careful about online communications where one hides his true identity, use a secure browser, pay your bills online using credit cards rather than personal check's, review your telephone bills, etc. and defy any charges that you don't recognize.

Remember to play your part in securing your own personal information.