FREE! GRATIS! NO CHARGE!

However you look at it you can't deny that the words above are very attractive. The only thing better than finding a bargain is to get something for nothing. Or is it? Sometimes there is a hidden price to be paid, and this is especially true on the World Wide Web.

There are many ‘free’ offers on the Web, including free software, free information, fill in a survey or enter a competition to win a prize, the list goes on. But have you ever stopped to consider where all that junk mail that spills through your letterbox comes from? Or why the spam in your inbox has multiplied?

The fact is that most websites have an ulterior motive for giving something away. They might harvest your email address, your home address, or any other personal details you offer and then compile a list along with all of the other people who filled in the form. The list can then be sold to organisations who will pay handsomely for this information so that they can target likely consumers of their products or services.

But let’s not get paranoid here, there are ways around it. Reputable websites will usually be upfront about their intentions. View the site’s privacy policy, read the small print, and if there is one; always tick the little box that says you don't want your information to be shared with other companies. If in doubt, set up a new email account with one of the many free web services and use that for your freebie purposes. Above all, never give your personal details or main email address unless you are confident about doing so.