There are newsgroups on almost every possible subject. Normally they are used as ways to get questions answered and share information about hobbies, musical groups, or any other subject of interest. Unfortunately, newsgroups, like other areas of the Internet, have risks.

The biggest risk is in revealing information about yourself. Whenever you post, in most cases, your words are available for anyone to see, even if you are responding to a particular individual’s posting. Remember the basic rules, and never reveal identifying information about yourself.

And posting something usually makes your E-mail address available to the public. Thus, even if you don’t say anything personal, your address will be available for people who may send you “junk” or inappropriate E-mails.

Some newsgroups contain sexually explicit illustrations, photographs, and stories. Some of this material may be illegal especially if it contains images of people who are younger than the age of 18 or certain other material that has been defined as “obscene.” This can be upsetting and uncomfortable to view. It should be avoided.

• Anyone you don't know who asks you for personal information, photos or videos.
• Unsolicited obscene material from people or companies you don't know.
• Misleading URLs on the Internet that point you to sites containing harmful materials rather than what you were looking for.
• Anyone who wants to send you photos or videos containing obscene content of individuals 18 and younger. (The possession, manufacturing, or distributing of child pornography is illegal.)
• Online enticement for offline sexual activities. (No one should be making sexual invitations to you online – and it’s an especially serious crime for adults to do it.)