How do I protect my info?
1. Use Do Not Track Plus.
Do Not Track Plus is a browser add-on that keeps your personal information under control. Unless you stop them, advertising companies track everything you do online. They follow you across the web and build up a profile of you.
If you combine the info that people search sites have with what advertising companies have...well, anyone could get a really thorough idea of who you are. Stop tracking now by downloading Do Not Track Plus.
2. Remove yourself from all the people search sites that currently list you.
There are a lot of them and it can take a while, but you can learn how to do it yourself. Or you can have us, Abine's DeleteMe service, do it for you. You'll have to stick with it: sometimes your listings will return.
3. Only give out your information when you have to.
Don't be reckless with your information. If you're posting your real info all over Facebook without adjusting your privacy settings, signing up for sweepstakes, registering for suspect-looking sites online, sending in rebates and warranty cards, and filling out surveys, you're supplying people search sites with your data.
It's always a tradeoff: is it worth it to you to risk giving these companies your information in exchange for whatever benefit you're getting? Next time you're checking out and the retail clerk asks you for an email address, stop. Stay on your toes and always ask yourself, "Is this really necessary?"
4. When you can't avoid giving out your information, be smart about it.
Need to sign up for an online account or a contest but don't want to use your real email address? Use anonymous email software, like PrivacySuite.
Don't want to be the only person in the world who isn't on Facebook? Go ahead and join, but be vigilant about your privacy settings and your postings. Don't provide Facebook with your mobile number just because they ask for it.
