FTC
2008-12-29

Computers are a popular gift during the holiday season. People with a new computer often wonder about the best way to get rid of the old one. OnGuardOnline.gov, the computer safety Web site managed by the Federal Trade Commission, has some tips to make this task easier – and more secure.

Passwords, health information, and other sensitive personal data should be saved elsewhere and erased off the old computer. This protects consumers’ privacy and safeguards them from identity theft. People who use their computers for work should check with their employers regarding the legal requirements businesses must comply with to secure and dispose of data.

To learn more, including how to save and erase data, see “Computer Disposal” at www.onguardonline.gov

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

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