Is “Space Faking” a Threat to Your Identity?
When was the last time you chatted with Brad Pitt about women or asked Charlize Theron for a baked Alaska recipe?
If you answered “yesterday,” you already know a bit about space faking. The term was coined for individuals assuming someone else’s identity over the internet–typically a well-known character.
Many of us do it on forums or networking sites. When we do, it’s obvious to us that we’re just having a bit of fun, and we make sure others know it, too. But not every space faker you meet on the internet is as obvious…or has motives as innocent.
Warning from Australia has Global Implications
Australian news source The Sydney Morning Herald pointed out in a Jan. 4 news story that space faking could hold identity theft dangers. The Herald revealed that Australian Prime Minister Bob Debus recently commented on the dangers of space faking, a warning that internet users the world over would be wise to heed.
“Clever people may be able to use fake identities to gather clues about your identity, and then go on to commit crime,” Debus said. “All users have to be aware that strangers can access information you put on the internet.”
Where Danger Lurks
But how can something as innocent as putting up a picture of a politician, celebrity or even a well-known novelist lead to identity theft?
Prime Minister Debus pointed out that there’s a fine line between jokingly posing as another individual and assuming an entirely new identity, complete with photos and other personal information.
And the latest trend, where actual users have reported that their identities were “borrowed” by space fakers with no reference to jest, is leading governments to reconsider what constitutes fraud…and how it should be punished.
Government Officials Take Action
In an effort to control the growing problem, the Australian government is seeking to institute new laws regarding misuse of another’s identification.
“In the past it has often been difficult to prove a (sic) fraud,” Prime Minister Debus told the Herald. “(But) these new laws would apply across the country and are punishable by up to five years’ jail.”
Keeping Yourself Safe
It’s possible that other nations will follow Debus’ example, cracking down on internet and real-time fraud laws. But with the sheer number of internet users in a given area, it’s unlikely that the government alone will be able to curtail the numerous internet criminals that lurk on networking and other sites.
Know your “friends”: someone who met someone else who is on your boss’s “friends” list could literally be anyone…and could ultimately be difficult to trace should fraud against your identity occur. Don’t be tempted by competitions to obtain the highest number of network individuals on your site; they could become far more trouble than they’re worth.
Wherever possible, set online photo albums to private. Also be sure not to include extraneous identifying information in your photos. For instance, make sure a photo of your brand-new car doesn’t include a view of your license plate. Don’t show pull away pictures of your home, especially if your house number is visible. And never post pictures that include other individuals unless you’ve gotten their permission first.
Not mentioning your town, elementary and high school or where you work may seem obvious, but this warning bears repeating in a world of ever-increasing “familiarity” on networking sites.
A Little Added Insurance
Despite his or her best efforts, it’s still possible for an individual–any individual–to get hacked and have his or her identity used for fraudulent purposes, experts say. And with the world wide web comprising billions of individuals, your identity could potentially be used for months or even years without you knowing it.
Identity theft insurance is the choice of a growing number of individuals who want to take control of their own identity safety. Such “watchdog” programs offer a variety of alerts based on an individual’s bank account, credit cards and even the use of his or her name via the web.
The moral of the story? Use social networking–but use your head…and a great security program. You’ll maximize your internet experience while maintaining peace of mind.
