Steps You Can Take:
The security of your computer and devices is your responsibility, and there are many steps you can take to help safeguard your personal information. The information provided below may be useful to you in identifying threats and taking precautions.

Pretexting:
Pretexting occurs when a person poses as someone else to gain unauthorized access to call detail records or other customer information. Pretexting is a serious offense. Verizon aggressively pursues civil and criminal legal action against suspected pretexters and has implemented processes to help protect our customers' information from pretexters.
See more information about pretexting

Phishing:
"Phishing" occurs when someone tries to trick consumers into divulging sensitive personal information by using phony Web sites or email addresses. If you provide information to a phishing Web site or in response to a phishing email, you could fall victim to unauthorized credit card purchases or identity theft. Verizon does not send emails asking for customer payment information, or for user names or passwords.

If you receive a suspicious email, you should not reply to it, nor should you open any attachments, click on links contained in the email or provide any information in response to it. You can report suspected fraud involving Verizon or Verizon Wireless to abuse@verizon.net or phishing@verizonwireless.com, respectively. Please include the word "phishing" in the subject line of your email and provide as much information as possible about the fraudulent activity or message.
See more information about identifying fraudulent email

Password Protection:
Passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your online accounts. If your password is compromised, your personal and account information can be misused. Please take precautions to protect your password.
See more information about choosing secure passwords

Unwanted Marketing Emails (Spam):
Verizon.net Internet service employs technological tools to detect and combat delivery of unsolicited commercial electronic messages via our online Web services. We may take legal action against spammers who abuse our network.
See more information about limiting spam

Protecting Your Computer:
There are a number of ways to protect your computer from unwanted intrusions such as viruses, spyware and attacks by hackers. For example, firewall software creates a protective barrier between your computer and the Internet to help prevent unauthorized access into your computer. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software helps protect your computer from programs that might cause damage or access information on your computer without your knowledge, by detecting and removing viruses and spyware. These and other tools for protecting your computer are readily available, and you may obtain them through us, if you wish. It is important to keep the software you use to protect your computer updated, and you should scan your computer frequently for viruses, spyware and other threats.
See more information about the suite of consumer protection services provided by Verizon

Verizon also provides a list of resources that offer comprehensive information about keeping yourself and your family safe online.
See more information about online safety

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Updated June 2009