Kruse Report: Be Wary of SPAM Emails and Intentions Behind Them

By Sen. Dennis Kruse

Technology is a wonderful tool, but just like the power tool in a garage, it can also cause pain and long-term injury if not used carefully. Such is the case with e-mails.

In some ways, e-mail is an effective communication aid. It is an efficient way to communicate and can easily connect us with people from far distances.

Unfortunately, there are always those who will find a way to manipulate something to their own benefit. That’s where SPAM comes into the picture. Those unwanted e-mails known as “SPAM” can be more than just a nuisance. They sometimes pose serious threats to Hoosiers who enter personal or financial information to innocent looking but predatory e-mails.

I wanted to share with you some tips from the Indiana Consumer’s Web Site. These provide us with a good game plan when using our computers.

     â–  Protect personal information. To an identity thief, personal information can provide access to financial accounts, credit records and other assets.

     â–  While shopping online, check out the seller before buying. A legitimate business or individual seller should give a physical address and a working telephone number at which they can be contacted in case there are problems.

     â–  Use anti-virus and anti-spy ware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. Look for anti-virus software that: Recognizes current viruses, as well as older ones, effectively reverses the damage and updates automatically.

     â–    Be sure to set up an operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.

     â–    Protect passwords. Keep passwords in a secure place and out of plain view. Don't share passwords on the Internet, over email or on the phone.

     â–    Back up important files.

     â–    To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues please visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

I believe these common sense tips enable us to use our computers with peace of mind. There are so many options available to us on the Internet, and many of them are wonderful, life-enhancing things. But the Information Highway we travel on is not unlike the highways we drive to work each day. There are always hazards to watch out for down the road. Even technology in all its cyberspace wonder isn’t immune to bad human intentions. What do you think?

Please contact me at State Senator Dennis Kruse, Indiana Senate, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or call 1-800-382-9467, or send e-mail to

S14@in.gov.
  

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