OnGuardOnline.gov is the federal government’s website to help you be safe, secure and responsible online
About Us
OnGuardOnline.gov is the federal government’s website to help you be safe, secure and responsible online.
The Federal Trade Commission manages OnGuardOnline.gov, in partnership with the federal agencies listed below. OnGuardOnline.gov is a partner in the Stop Think Connect campaign, led by the Department of Homeland Security, and part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Share Our Resources
OnGuardOnline.gov encourages you to share our resources with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. There are many ways to let others know about OnGuardOnline.gov, and about making smart choices online: post buttons and banners on your site, use your social networking skills, or, order free publications to hand out at events or conferencesâ€â€or just to give out in your community.
Avoid Scams
Scam artists use clever schemes to defraud millions of people around the globe each year. Being on guard online can help you maximize the benefits of the internet and minimize your chance of being defrauded. Learn how to recognize common scams and what you can do to avoid them.
Tech Support Scams
Don't be tricked by scammers who call and claim they can "fix" your computer.
Avoiding Online Scams
Ten steps you can take to avoid scams
Common Online Scams
Tricks that con artists use to get people to send them money
Spam
What you can do to reduce unwanted commercial emails
Phishing
What to do about messages that ask for your personal information
Money Transfer Scams
Scammers often insist on money transfers for payment because wiring money is like sending cash: Once it's gone, you can't get it back
Online Dating Scams
Signs that your online love is a scam artist
Online Penny Auctions
Tips to help you understand how penny auctions work and recognize the pitfalls before you lose any money
Identity Theft
If you believe your personal information has been lost or stolen, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage
Tax-Related Identity Theft
Warning signs that an identity thief has used your social security number for tax purposes and what to do about it
Work-at-Home Scams
Bogus ads often promise steady income for minimal labor
Weight Loss Claims
Weight loss gimmicks that promise more than they can deliver
Lotteries and Sweepstakes Scams
Have to pay to get your prize? It’s a scam.
Fake Check Scams
A fake check can take weeks to uncover – and cost you a fortune
Imposter Scams
Tips to help you spot a scammer impersonating a friend or relative
Mystery Shopper Scams
Interested in mystery shopping? Distinguish real opportunities from bogus offers
Bogus Apartment Rentals
Looking for an apartment? Look out for bogus listings.
Miracle Cures
Health products that overpromise usually under-deliver. Here’s why.
Debt Relief Scams
Some debt relief offers are code for bankruptcy
Pay-in-Advance Credit Offers
Legitimate lenders don’t guarantee you credit – or require large upfront fees – before you apply
Investment Schemes
Signs that a “low risk†investment is really a sham
The “Nigerian†Email Scam
Don’t believe strangers who offer “big rewards†to help them move money out of a foreign country
Computer Security
Tips to help you secure your computer and protect yourself from hackers, scammers, and identity thieves
Malware
Tips for avoiding, detecting, and getting rid of viruses and spyware
Securing Your Wireless Network
Steps to take to protect the wireless network in your home
P2P File-Sharing Risks
Computer security risks to consider before sharing files through a P2P network
Laptop Security
Steps you can take to prevent a thief from snatching your laptop – and all the valuable information stored on it
Disposing of Old Computers
Getting rid of a computer? Take these steps to protect your personal information.
Laptop Security Bookmark
Steps you can take to keep your laptop from getting lost or stolen
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