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<< Front page | Commentary | October 31, 2003 | ||||
Privacy protection tips offered
To the Editors: As our lives become more integrated with technology, keeping our personal information confidential becomes more difficult. E-mail, the Internet, automated teller machines, cell phones, long distance carriers, computer banking, purchases and even credit cards that normally make our lives more efficient also can leave us vulnerable to fraud and other crimes. During October, the office of Safety and Security received several reports of attempts to compromise personal security in obtaining private information. In one instance, a student reported receiving an e-mail, falsely attributed to a sender from within the College, soliciting money to support a pornographic web site. In another, a student reported being solicited near a public park in Oberlin for personal information about her name and residency. Two College community members reported being contacted by phone solicitors for credit cards, who insisted on taking social security numbers in addition to birth dates and other personal information. There were several reported thefts of wallets and book bags left unattended in public places containing ID’s, personal information, credit cards and checkbooks. Following a few simple tips to protect your personal information can often help: The weakest link in securing private information is the human element. Being aware and understanding what is being asked of you is often the first line of defense. Keep private that information that is yours alone! –Robert Jones |