Some Internet 'friends' may not be friends at all

OPP NEWS RELEASE

****************************** Speak to your kids about MSN and the Internet

BLIND RIVER - Police have received reports that MSN accounts are being hacked into by an unknown person.

The suspect is contacting young people and asking specific questions in an effort to obtain their password.

Once the account is accessed they assume that person’s identify and contact other kids in their contact list now pretending to be their friend.

In some instances the hacker then locks out your account so you no longer have access to it.

Parents are reminded to speak to their children about being safe on the internet.

Never give out personal information such as address, school, real name, pets name, phone number, whether you are home alone or anything that may give away your identity or passwords.

When not in use webcams should be unplugged and computers should be in general room not in a child’s bedroom.

Kids are reminded the person that you chat with on the computer is a stranger.

This person remains a stranger until you know them personally and you are 100 percent sure they are who they say they are.

Don't be fooled by a stranger.

Remember, they may have hacked into a friends account and be pretending to be a friend.

As a safety check, ask them some questions that only your friends would know.

Tell an adult right away if you find something that makes you uncomfortable or scared and never arrange to meet someone you have met on the internet.

If you have any information, please call your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or via their website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com.

With Crime Stoppers all they want is your information and not your name.

You will not have to testify in court and could be paid for your information.

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