Identity theft on social networking sites has become every social media enthusiast’s worst nightmare. Facebook is undoubtedly the fastest growing social networking site in the world and has over a billion active users with another half a million new ones signing up per day. However, some of those characteristics that make it a great social site, also expose its users to varied crimes of identity theft. To protect your identity on social media sites, follow these tips:
1) Be proactive about managing your Facebook privacy settings
Since Facebook is a networking site, its configurations are by default, set to make you easily accessible to other people. Facebook for instance, allows you to join groups made up of individuals who have a common characteristic, like having attended the same college or living in a certain town. Be aware that by joining these groups, it means that every member of that group can access your profile information at will. Fortunately, the Facebook user has the option of control over his/her privacy settings by using the "My Privacy" section of this site which is accessed by clicking on the "Privacy" link. From here one has full control of his privacy settings and can micro-manage it to choose who will be viewing what aspects of his profile or activity on Facebook.
2) The less personal details, the better
Most people list their full names, phone number, email address and phone number on their profile. Some even provide very critical data like their spouses name and date of birth. This is the kind of information that identity thieves use to perpetuate all types of identity theft. The savvy ones might use this information to aid them to hack into your accounts since such detailed personal information can tip them off to some potential username or passwords. Once they have accessed any of your online accounts, they can then use it to cause you further harm like shopping online using your credit card details.
3) Accept friend requests only from those you know
It is common practice to find users accepting friend requests they have received from those that they do not know. By doing this, one potentially opens himself up to identity thieves and other cyber criminals. It is therefore advisable that one only accepts friend requests from those they already know. If you must extend your friends list then at least choose people that you have quite a number of mutual friends with.
4) Give very minimal data about your location
Criminals across the nation have begun to use Facebook to victimize people. Do not give such crucial information as when you will be on a vacation or when you will be attending a certain event out of town. Burglars can take advantage of your absence to break into your home. You might think that a close friend would never do this to me. However, it’s not the close friend, but the friend of a friend who hears or sees the information.
Studies have shown that quite a number of victims of identity theft know those who perpetrated this crime. Taking the above steps will definitely go a long way in helping you protect your identity from criminals, as well as improve the amount of fun you can derive from Facebook.
If you have already been caught performing these criminal activities, the judge will most likely mandate that you take a course to teach you skills in overcoming this behavior. Theftclassonline.com is a high quality class designed by a licensed and practicing therapist. This theft education program is designed for the user to take at home in a relaxed and anonymous atmosphere. The classes are available online 24/7 so the user can simply drop-in and out at his own pace. Simply check with the court for approval of this course, then log-on and an interesting, informative program will unfold.
