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Christmas Top Ten Tips

MEDIA RELEASE

23 December 2008

Will Santa invade your privacy?

"I can't stop relatives from invading your homes these holidays but I can offer ways for your privacy to be protected while you enjoy the summer break," says the Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff. Following are some seasonal privacy tips:

  • When shopping on-line, you can limit the risk of someone stealing your credit card details and racking up huge purchases by having a separate, low-limit credit card.

  • You can a get a free copy of your credit record (once a year) to check for accuracy and that nobody is applying for credit in your name. (Visit www.mycreditfile.co.nz or www.dnd.co.nz for more details.)

  • Make sure you've got up-to-date safety software on your computer, especially if you are banking online.

  • Use a nickname instead of your own name on social networking sites.

  • If you want your on-line profile to be seen only by registered friends, ensure the profile’s setting is not on "open access".

  • If you are planning a New Year's Eve party, invite friends directly by email or phone rather than advertise it on a Facebook or MySpace page.

  • If you use a computer at an internet café, make sure you log off before you leave - if not, anyone could access your account.

  • Be careful with any personal information you are throwing away at Christmas time such as bills and letters. Shred, burn or destroy them.

  • Think before you give out personal information and ask what it will be used for - for example, check with retailers before you sign up to competitions or for promotional information.

  • While you are on holiday, secure your personal information left at home such as passports and personal documents, and information you take with you such as your drivers licence, EFTPOS or credit cards, or on laptops.

For more tips on privacy go to www.privacy.org.nz/top-ten-tips.

ENDS

For more information contact:
Annabel Fordham tel 04 4747590 or 021509735 or enquiries@privacy.org.nz

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