ONS Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ About Security and E-mail

Does ONS ever ask for my credit card number via an e-mail message?
No, we never request confidential financial information through e-mail. You should share your credit card number with ONS only if you have initiated the transaction, either on our website or by phone.

I have received several e-mails from techsupport@ons.org that look suspicious, contain viruses, or are blank. Why?
These e-mails are generated from a variety of viruses circulating around the Internet-they do not actually come from ONS. You receive these when a person's computer gets infected with a virus and you are in that person's e-mail address book. The virus then can pick your e-mail address from the address book and send you the virus but claim that it came from some other address pulled from the infected computer's contacts.

Currently, almost all major viruses fake the e-mail address from which they were sent; this is designed to trick us into viewing the e-mail because we think it came from a trusted source. Also, some of these virus messages may appear to be blank, but they still could contain a hidden virus.

I forgot my username and password. If I enter my e-mail address in the profile to have my username and password sent to me, it tells me that ONS has no record of this e-mail address. How can I find my username and password?
You must e-mail customer.service@ons.org and include your old and new e-mail addresses. We will update it in our database and then e-mail you your username and password.

Does ONS sell or provide member e-mail addresses to outside organizations?
Absolutely not! ONS respects your privacy, and, as a result, we do not sell or distribute any e-mail addresses to outside organizations.

If ONS does not sell or distribute member e-mail addresses, why am I receiving "spam" from outside organizations, suggesting or making mention of my profession as an oncology nurse?
Organizations have numerous ways to obtain individual e-mail addresses. Today's technology has produced software that allows e-mail marketers to "search" the Internet for e-mail addresses. In addition, if you have ever registered your contact information with another website (for online purchases, e-mail newsletters, etc.), there is a good chance that e-mail marketers purchased your e-mail address from one of those sources. If you included your job title or completed demographic information when registering for those websites, e-mail marketers also can purchase this information. ONS respects your privacy, and, as a result, we do not sell or distribute any e-mail addresses to outside organizations.

Why does ONS encourage me to provide my e-mail address?
ONS distributes regular updates and information to members via e-mail. We encourage you to provide your e-mail address so you can be included in these e-mail communications. Information distributed includes e-newsletters; continuing education opportunities; award, grant, and scholarship announcements; and publication promotions. Of course, you have the ability to opt out of e-mail communications at any time.

Why should I add onslist@ons.org to my address book?
Many email services and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) block or filter messages to help protect you from unsolicited email. However, these same systems may inadvertently block e-mail you have requested from ONS.

How do I add onslist@ons.org to my address book?
Each email provider is different. Some providers permit adding an entire domain which helps to ensure that all ONS communication reaches you. If your provider permits the addition of a domain, please add ons.org. For specific details about how to add an email address or domain to your address book, please consult your ISP or your organization’s technology department.