There are lots of ways you can keep your personal data safe and protect yourself from online fraud.

• How to keep your personal information private

• How to keep your computer safe

• Emails and spam

• Buying online

How to keep your personal information private?

• You should only provide information that's necessary for what you're doing

• If you're using a public computer make sure you log out before you leave and never let the computer save your passwords or username.

• When you choose a password use a number or symbol and both upper and lower case. Don't use the same password for all your accounts. Check the strength of your password.

How to keep your computer safe?

• Install anti-spyware and anti-virus software to stop intruders getting into your computer system. Run your anti-virus software regularly to scan your system and remove any malicious software.

• Install all the security patches for your operating system. Microsoft releases these regularly. You need to reboot your computer when new software is installed.

• Use a firewall. It usually comes as part of your anti-virus software and a firewall keeps hackers from accessing your computer.

Emails and spam

• Don't click on a link in an email and then enter your credit card details, even if it seems to be coming from a reputable organisation. These emails are often "phishing" for your personal information

• Never reply to an unsolicited email or spam. The links in these emails will install software on your computer that collects your usernames and passwords.

• Don't open attachments in emails from people that you don't know. Delete these emails before you open them.

Buying online

• Be very wary of sellers who ask you to send money overseas. Tradingpost requires that all sellers are based in Australia.

• If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is. Scammers will set low prices in order to tempt buyers.

• Collect as much information as you can about the seller before you make a purchase. You should be able to access their contact details. Make sure that they own the item for sale.

• Check your credit card statements and make sure that you've authorised all the transactions.

If you have any concerns or questions, or if you think that a seller is suspicious, email us.