The RAOK TLC Committee has created this page about internet stalking to provide information and useful preventive tips to potential victims. Please Help Protect Yourself by Following These  Five Essential Steps to Privacy Keep It to Yourself Don't share personal information--your name, address, phone number, date of birth, social security number, mother's maiden name--until you know who you're dealing with and what they plan to do with the data. Any time you respond to an offer of free information, goods, or services and provide personal data (including the fact that you are interested in that particular topic), you give away your privacy. Your employer, bank, creditors, and the IRS occasionally have a legitimate need for this personal information. Almost no one else does. Be Your Own Hero Don't expect your employer, ISP, or software to safeguard your privacy. Locate online references to yourself, and then take steps to excise your records from any sites, companies, or lists that you're uncomfortable with. A few public records, such as titles to property or motor vehicle registration, can't be removed, but some agencies will keep your data confidential upon request. Not all private information (like credit reports) is found online, so be sure to check offline sources as well for errors. Cover Your Backside Strengthen your computer's log-in security, recognizing that it's far from impervious. Remove or encrypt private files and communications, learn how to browse the Internet and send e-mail messages without leaving a trail, and sidestep spam. In general, the idea is to lower your online profile to keep from being an easy target. Do It at Home Don't conduct personal communications on your computer at work, unless you're okay with the boss reading along. Mum's the Word Your passwords are the keys that unlock your identity; select and guard them well. written by Carole Lane for http://pcworld.com/ Here is a question to consider before giving out personal info about yourself... Remember: The goal of a cyberstalker is CONTROL. If you are a victim of internet stalking, here are some helpful links to check out...  Informative Links Cyberstalked     CyberStalking The WWW Security FAQ Barton's Online Harrassment Resources California Presses Cyberstalking Case Caught in the Net CNET Special Report: Cyberstalking Cyberstalking: A Real Problem Cyberstalking Awareness And Education The Law vs. Online Stalking Privacy in Cyberspace State Stalking Laws Psychology of a Cyber-Stalker Cyber Stalking Antistalking Website Who knows What about You Stalking Is A Cyber Crime Crime Library: Cyber Stalking  Who To Contact and Help Groups Cyber Angels Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) FBI Computer Crime Squad Cyberstalking Help Women Halting Online Abuse (WHOA) Online Help Halt Abuse  Kids Can Be Stalked Too! An Important Lesson     Safety Education Safety Tips for Kids on the Internet Internet Safety for Kids  True Stories Of Stalking Victims Scott's Story     Arlene's Story Barbara's Story Becky's Story     Ivy's Story Kelly's Story     Sherry's Story       This quilt square has been added to the RAOK Quilt For The Cause Webring If you'd like, you may take either of these graphics. Please attach this link to them: http://oocities.com/Heartland/Canyon/5077/project28/stalkers.html         This RAOK T.L.C. project was made possible with the help of the wonderful members of the T.L.C committee and all their suggestions and ideas. The following Members should be mentioned for their contributions: Web page by Chilady Background set by zack URL/Links research by: Tammy   Sunny   Fan Angelkisses Lisa   Chilady Gramma Nancy   Marsha   Linda Ideas/Contributions by: Tammy   Linda Quilt Square by: Resa Graphics by: Fan   Sunny zack   Bubbles