Widows need privacy protection because they are at risk, especially while online.  Do an online search for your name and you may be surprised by what others see. To keep an eye on your online presence, set up a Google News Alert (Google.  com/alerts).  It’s a free service that emails you anytime your selected keywords (such as your name) appear on Google search.  If anything unwanted surfaces, go directly to that site’s administrator and ask that it be removed from their page.  You may also have to do a Google request to have it taken off the internet. If a store clerk asks for information be assertive and ask why it’s needed, what will be done with it and what benefit do you get from giving your private information to them.  NEVER give your social security number to merchants. You are entitled to a free copy once a year of your credit reports.  There are three main nationwide credit reporting agencies (visit website - annualcreditreport.  com) Going forward decide what level of privacy you are most comfortable with and make it clear that you are not obligated to share your personal information with anyone.  You are entitled to every measure of privacy you feel you want or need.

• Protect your identity by skipping online quizzes, polls, games and surveys.
• Keep your credit cards in a special shield so they can’t be scanned.
• Facebook is just one tiny facet of who you are – take a break once in a while.

Close down any unused accounts that you are not actively using.  Don’t “like” posts unless you are okay with being linked to them.  Buy a shredder and use it for documents that contain any personal information, from your address to credit card numbers. Be careful when using smart devices as they can track your geo-location.  Think twice when you are asked for permission,from a site, to track your ongoing location. Unsubscribe from all email notifications that you don’t read.  Just go to the end of the email and click on “unsubscribe”. Beware of fake links that look like real stores.  It may be the best deal out there, but if it’s a fake store your credit information is sent to scammers.  If I see an item I like on Facebook or online I go to a safe, known online store (example Amazon) and order it there – not a Facebook ad.  Also, watch out for fake links that state they are from banks or government agencies. Widows need privacy protection so look for websites that begin with “https” – the S means secure.  Take time to read the policies of websites that you want to do business with before giving them your personal or financial information.  You want to make sure that you are not giving them permission to sell your data. Never shop online while using public, unprotected Wi-Fi as snoopers can steal data over open air-waves.