The Internet gives you easy access to information, entertainment, financial offers and countless other services. The flip-side, however, is that it can leave you vulnerable to online scammers, identity thieves and criminals. To guard against Internet fraud, follow the tips below:

Know your seller. If you don't, do some research.

• Company websites often provide information in a section called "About Us". Some online sellers participate in programs, such as BBBOnLine, that help resolve problems. Look for a logo or endorsement seal on the company website. This is an indication, but not a guarantee, of the seller's reliability.
• Check with state and/or local consumer offices.
• Another way to check online sellers is to look for other consumers' comments. Visit www.bizrate.com, where consumers rate online stores. Some Internet auction sites post ratings of sellers based on comments by buyers. This information may give you some idea of how you'll be treated, but beware of too many glowing stories that might have ben placed by sellers themselves.

Protect your personal information. Don't provide it in response to an e-mail, a pop-up, or a website you've linked to from an e-mail or web page.

• Take your time and resist any urge to "act now" to keep your account open or take advantage of a special offer.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. Make sure your operating system and web browser are set up properly and update them regularly as well.
• Protect your passwords. Don't share your passwords with anyone. Memorize them.
• Back up important files. Copy them onto another computer or a removable hard drive such as a flash memory stick. When you spill coffee on your laptop or if your computer stops working, you'll be glad you did.

Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online. Report suspected fraud to your bank, credit card company or relevant authority.

The FTC provides tips to help secure your computer, guard against Internet fraud, and protect your personal information. Visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for more information. To keep up to date with the latest computer threats, signup for alerts from the Department of Homeland Security at www.US-CERT.gov.

Here are some other sources on protecting yourself and your family while using the Internet.

• GetNetWise (www.getnetwise.or) is a public service sponsored by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences.
• Internet Keep Safe Coalition (www.iKeepSafe.org), the home of Faux Paw the Techno Cat, a coalition of 49 governors/first spouses, law enforcement, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other associations dedicated to helping parents, educators, and caregivers by providing tools and guidelines to teach children the safe and healthy use of technology.
• National Cyber Security Alliance (www.staysafeonline.org) is a nonprofit organization that provides tools and resources to empower home users, small businesses, and schools, colleges, and universities to stay safe online.
• staysafe (www.staysafe.org) is an educational site intended to help consumers understand both the positive aspects of the Internet as well as how to manage a variety of safety and security issues that exist online.
• Wired Safety (www.wiredsafety.org) is an Internet safety and help group comprised of unpaid volunteers around the world that provides education, assistance, and awareness on all aspects of cybercrime and abuse, privacy, security, and responsible technology use. Wired Safety is the parent group of www.Teenangels.org, FBI-trained teens and preteens who promote Internet safety.