The Internet is often used to buy and sell products, pay bills, and communicate with people. But how safe is it when you use the Internet? Our magazine Interactions asked some Internet users about their experiences.

Linda, 29, nurse: I pay all my bills online. One day, I received an email from my bank. It told me that someone was trying to take out money from my account (账号), so I should email my password (密码) to the “bank manager”. I felt something was wrong, so I called my bank and asked about the email. The bank said they never sent it. I realised that someone tried to cheat (欺骗) me of my money. I’ll continue paying my bills this way, but I’ll be more careful.

Emily, 22, office worker: I was at work, and I sent an email to a friend of mine. I was telling her about my problems with Mark, the manager. A few minutes later, a friend of Mark’s came over to my desk. He said, “So you think Mark is too strict?” My face was red. I chose the wrong name on my address list. It was my own fault, so I’ll look over my emails more carefully before I click “Send” next time.

Thomas, 21, university student: I love the Internet! I look up lots of information online. I often buy things on the websites—furniture, clothes, CDs, even foods. I have also sold some of my things on the Internet. I only use the websites I trust and I’ve never had a safety problem.