Identity Theft Through Social Media

Think that the only dangers in Social Media are stalkers and creepers?  Think again!  There are opportunities to share sensitive information that appeal to identity thieves everywhere - and we're willing giving the information away!


This inforgraph from Next Advisor highlights the ways our information is being targeted:

1. Don't list your hometown, your full date of birth (leave out the year), or your address.
2. Make sure you keep your personal info behind privacy settings.  Of course, that doesn't mean that you're 100% guaranteed that your information will STAY private, so you should still use caution.
3. Change your passwords on a frequent basis. 
4. Be careful which apps you're allowing to connect with your social media!  Whenever you connect an app to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, and other social media accounts, those apps ask for permission to access certain information.  While many apps are legit, there are many that are asking for information they don't need!  So even though you have your privacy settings keeping your information safe, you then give permission to an app to collect all of your info!

Be careful and use caution when posting your life's story online.  You never know who is interested and WHY!