Social bookmarking sites like del.icio.us and digg.com where share lists of user-created Internet bookmarks are grouped together (and other applications) are growing in popularity. And so is identity theft among the social bookmarking users.
What happens is that people rush to sign up for the social bookmarking sites. They register and mindless begin filling out their profiles, sharing lots of personal information like date of birth, complete name and contact information / location (email, phone number, personal photos) and more. However, people most often don’t use the privacy settings offered by the sites, as they should.
Not only that, social networking site users also post to forums, blogs and chats about when they’re leaving town and going on vacation. Other information that should remain confidential is often shared, too, like which banks are used online, which sites with shopping carts, etc.
The results are identity theft, online and off. Offline, thieves find out when people won’t be home and break in to steal things: information, valuables, etc. Online, thieves also break in and steal using personal info to access accounts and use identities for their own personal and financial gain.
Social Networking Safety Tips
Get and stay safe with social networking sites using these helpful tips:
1) Use the site’s privacy settings and only share your profile information with family and trusted friends.
2) Watch what you do list online, regardless of privacy settings. A thief can take your digital photo and all other info and use your identity. Don’t give them all that ammunition. Upload a favorite animal or flower image, for example, instead of your face. List the nearest large city instead of the small town where you live. Use a nickname, maiden name or other identity listing.
3) Do not discuss out of town issues online. Period. No one needs to know when you’re going on vacation or even on business trips. Tell the about the trips AFTER you return. And don’t ask others about their plans, either, encouraging them to post their private info.
4) Alert your family members, friends and others to these security issues to help others be and stay safe, too.
5) If a social networking site doesn’t look safe or you can’t figure out the privacy settings, don’t use it. Go somewhere safe.
Things are always changing and growing on the web. So only interact where it’s safest for you. Practice identity theft protection 24/7!
