Social Sites and Identity Theft -- What You Need to Know

Don't let networks access your email list --

When you sign up for social networking sites, don't give access to your contact list. It may take longer to locate friends, but is much safer. Giving access to your contact and email list opens a port for identity thieves.

Don't post personal information --

Your friends know you. There's no need to post every personal tidbit about your life where it is easily accessible to criminals. There are professional criminals who troll these sites looking for easy victims. If you have the information already laid out for them, you become easy prey.

Don't post your address --

Criminals can access your information in your personal profile and learn where you live.

Don't post about upcoming vacations and trips --

People may be watching you. People that you don't want watching you. During vacation time, if criminals have discovered where you live through personal information and you post when you are leaving town, you just made their job much easier.

Don't go to networking sites without a firewall --

Be sure to install a firewall on your computer before signing up for any networking site. Twenty percent of networking site users state they don't use a firewall program. If you are one of these people and are on networking sites regularly, it may be time to get one.

Not only can criminals access your computer and information if you leave yourself unprotected, Facebook users can also pass infected software between "friends." Protect yourself and your computer by having protection with a firewall.

Continue to enjoy socializing at your favorite networking sites, but play it safe and follow these tips and ensure you're not the next identity theft victim.