Online Privacy & Safety

Fraud

Get help with phishing scams, lottery fraud, and other types of scams.

• Email and web scams: How to help protect yourself

• Avoid tech support phone scams

• Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently

• How to recognize phishing email messages or links

• Phishing scams that target activities, interests, or news events

• Phishing: Frequently asked questions

• Help keep spam out of your Inbox

• Protect your computer from pirated software

• Protect yourself from cybersquatting and fake web addresses

Learn more about fraud

• SmartScreen Filter: frequently asked questions

• What is identity theft?

• What is phishing?

• What is social engineering?

• What is the Microsoft Lottery Scam?

Protect your information

Protect your personal and financial information on the Internet

• Your information on the Internet: What you need to know

• Protect your privacy on the Internet

• Take charge of your online reputation

Shopping

How to buy and sell items online more safely

• Six rules for safer financial transactions online

• How to shop online more safely

• How to use third-party payment services

Mobile and wireless

Use public computers and wireless devices more safely

• Secure your smartphone

• Use location services more safely

• Mobile phone safety for kids

• Five safety tips for using a public computer

• Four safety tips for using Wi-Fi

• Help secure your wireless network

• Windows Phone: Location and my privacy

• Windows Phone: Location awareness and my phone

• Internet Explorer Mobile: Change privacy and other browser settings

• How do I know if a wireless network is secure?

Passwords

Passwords

• Create strong passwords

• Check your password—is it strong?

Social networking

Social networking

• Practice cyberethics

• Take charge of your online reputation

• 11 tips for social networking safety

• Help protect your privacy in online communities