CONSUMER 6: Your personal info online & in your mail

Most adults know it's not a good idea to give out personal information online. However, what about children? <br> <br>A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that half of kids ages 10

Thursday, December 28th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Most adults know it's not a good idea to give out personal information online. However, what about children?

A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that half of kids ages 10 to 17 are willing to give their name, address and other personal information in exchange for a free gift. And many teens are willing to give out sensitive information about their parents as well. The professor who led the study says parents should tell their kids what information they should, and should not provide online.

If you were in a car accident due to defective tires, you may want to listen up. Several states are making it illegal for insurance companies to raise your rates for accidents involving bad tires. If your rates were increased, you may want to check with your insurer and then with the Oklahoma state insurance department.

Mail theft is on the rise, and most thieves aren't looking for money. Theyâ€™re on the lookout for personal information, including your social security number or personal account numbers.

Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

* Do not use your mailbox or any other unsecured mailbox such as a hotel for outgoing mail.

* Hand your outgoing mail to a letter carrier.

* Your incoming mail should go into a front door slot or a locked mailbox.

* Know the timeline when you should receive bank statements, blank checks and other valuable mail.

* Shred all mail when you are done.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions for Consumer 6, call our tip line at 732-6111 or send an e-mail to dwhite@kotv.com.