Internet Safety Tips
- Don’t believe everything you read when chatting online. People very often misrepresent themselves.
- Never give out personal information on line to strangers (home phone number / address / credit card numbers)
- Never rush to meet someone to meet someone you met on line. Quick dates can be dangerous. If you are being pressured to meet you should become suspicious!
- Talk on the phone before you meet. Play it safe. You make the call. Meet in a public place. Feel the other person out before getting together.
- Tell your parents or friends about your plans. If the other person wants to keep it a secret be suspicious.
- Meet in a public place whenever possible. Avoid going to the person’s home until you know each other.
- Tell someone where you are going. Let them know if there is a change in plans or you will be getting back late.
- Always report attacks or threats to the police or to the Public Safety Department (772-4444).
- Consider bringing a friend. Remember, you really don’t know the other person that you are meeting.
- Always – BE CAREFUL!
Cyber stalking is similar behavior as physical stalking but through the use of the internet or other electronic means to accomplish the same end. The fact that cyber stalking doesn’t involve physical contact doesn’t mean that it is less dangerous than physical stalking. An experienced Internet user can easily find the victim’s personal information such as phone number, address or place of business to locate their whereabouts. This can then lead to more physical behavior. Stalking is defined as a crime by the New York State Penal Law (Section 120.45 – 120.60).