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Is Social Networking a Threat to Your Identity?

Posted by Melanie Henson on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

More and more thieves are grabbing personal information from popular internet networking sites. Could you be next? We explore an identity thief’s methods and what you can do to keep from becoming a victim.

The New Face of Networking

Today’s new face in networking is a host of sites, such as facebook.com, meetups.com and myspace, which allow individuals to keep in touch. What makes these networking spaces so popular is the immediate accessibility of associates to one another’s vital information. Unfortunately, that’s what makes them popular among identity thieves, too.

Up Close and Too Personal

Networking site users drop an amazing amount of personal information into their pages. And it’s surprising to discover that some of the most seemingly innocent information can be a window into your personal life (and finances) for an ID thief to sneak through.

For example, your high school’s, mother’s or even pet’s name are often “password reminders” to various sites, including financial ones. Some of this information is requested on networking sites as well, particularly those related to your education history and your current and previous living locations. Though you think your network site and your bank will never cross paths in cyberspace, an experienced ID thief knows how to route out places you bank or hold credit cards at, and try your information out there until your password is obtained.

Playing it Safe

There’s nothing wrong with networking. In fact, it’s the preferred employment method in today’s competitive business world. And with a typical busy schedule, it’s often the best way to stay in contact with extended family and acquaintances. Just be sure to stay on the safe side by using the following tips:

Never use your last name (particularly along with your first name or initial) on a networking site. If the site is for employment purposes, state on your page that personal information and a resume are available on request.
Don’t make your username your last name or your city.
Make personal photos “friend-only”.
ONLY accept friends onto your networking list whom you know, or for whom you have a direct referral.
Out-of-office messages are a bad idea. They let would-be thieves know you may not be in your house for a while. Instead, have incoming messages forwarded to an office associate who can attend to the most urgent among them. Place a phone call to regular clients or business associates to tell them when you’ll be away and when you will get back.
Choose a fake birthday. Keep the year correct or close, but if a birth date is required, choose a different month and day.
Don’t use ANY information that may appear (even “privately”) on a network site for ANY of your financial accounts. For your reminder prompt, pick something more obscure than the old stand-bys, but which you yourself will easily recall should you need it.
NEVER duplicate passwords. Yes, we know–with all the sites and accounts you have, it can get awfully trying (not to mention confusing) to remember a variety of different passwords. Make the effort…you’ll be thankful later. If necessary, write your passwords down and keep them in a safe place.

Networking is a wonderful business and personal resource…as long as you keep playing it safe. Protect yourself now and become part of the growing number of consumers who are educating themselves–and thwarting ID thieves.