"Phishing" is the use of fraudulent e-mail designed to steal identities as well as vital personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account PINS and passwords. Phishing e-mails often ask you to verify this type of information. Legitimate companies never ask for your password or account number via e-mail. If you're not sure, call the company directly.

Phishing is one of the fastest-growing scams, and the 4th most frequent complaint received by the National Consumers League. Worse, it's getting tougher for consumers to accurately spot fake e-mails.

Don't Take The Bait

Don't reply to e-mail messages that claim your credit card information or other personal information needs to be updated.

Social networking sites such as Xanga and MySpace are the hippest new "meet markets," especially among tween, teens and 20-somethings. While these sites can increase a person's circle of friends, they also increase exposure to people with less-than-friendly intentions, including sexual predators. Visit onguardonline.gov to learn how to help your kids socialize safely online.