Facebook members could be compromising their safety
February 27, 2008
According to a recent report from the consumer campaign group Which? consumers who have memberships on social networking sites such as Facebook could be compromising their safety and identity security. Many people have started to join up to social networking sites over the past couple of years, but Which? officials state that this could result in identity theft, fraud, and even an increased risk of burglary in some cases, as fraudsters and thieves can find out so many details through using these websites.
By setting up a profile on social networking sites such as Facebook consumers reveal a number of important details to thousands of other members, and those with less than honourable intentions can easily use the site to find out more information, even tricking people into giving away their PIN numbers and other personal details.
Officials from the consumer groups have stated that fraudsters can use the Internet to find out a range of details, and once they have gathered enough details they can use the information to apply for things such as credit cards and loans on the name of the victim. Simply by using the profile on these sites fraudsters can find out things such as date of birth, family details, and even details about the person’s home.
However, an official from Facebook stated: “Facebook encourages users to customise their security settings to a level they are comfortable with,”
One researcher experimented by trying to find out information about the editor of Which?, Neil Fowler. He found out a range of details including family details and even access points to Fowler’s home.
Mr Fowler said: “It was a real shock to see how much personal information about me could be found online, which could potentially be used by crooks to commit fraud. We all need to take steps to protect our data - both online and offline - by being more aware of how our personal data could be used and taking care who we share it with.”
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