Help us stop online scammers and computer viruses

We need your help in preparing an upcoming report for Consumer Reports and ConsumerReports.org about staying safe online. We're looking for tips to help consumers avoid become a victim of viruses, spyware, or cybercriminals. We're not looking for obvious advice, such as "don't click on e-mail attachments" or "always run antivirus software." Rather, we’d like to hear about things online consumers often overlook, or don't know, when going online. (It can include anything from hardware to software to the consumer's own behavior.)

For each tip, please describe the mistake itself plus its consequences.

If you've suffered a loss yourself online, whether to your computer, wallet, privacy, or something else, we'd also like to hear about the mistake that led to that loss, how you resolved your problem (if you did), and how other consumers can avoid a similar experience. Please be as precise as possible.

Please let us know if you're willing to be interviewed for this article, plus whether you're willing to be photographed.

Don't forget to tell us how to contact you.

Note: Your response to this request won't be published anywhere, including this blog. If we interview you, your story may appear in the finished article. If you prefer to respond directly by e-mail, send your response to Security@cro.consumer.org.

Thanks for your help.

—Donna Tapellini