Tips for safe social networking
With increased numbers of the population confined to their homes because of current weather conditions - more and more people are logging on to social networking sites to relive their festive frivolities and share their pictures with friends.
Latest statistics have shown a 14% increase in traffic to social networking sites for the first week in 2010 compared to the same time last year with figures expected to rise as the bad weather continues.
Social networking is the most popular online activity in the UK accounting for 20% of all page views. Unfortunately this means that these sites can be attractive to online criminals on the hunt for personal information to try to steal your identity, borrow money in your name and clear your accounts.
James Jones, Consumer Education Manager comments, "Sadly not everyone is aware of the number of fraudsters operating on social networking sites and the methods they use to exploit the most basic of personal details. By following a few simple safety guidelines you can enjoy these sites without worrying about the risk of online identity theft."
Don't give too much away
Even basic details such as your full name, date of birth and home town can be useful to fraudsters. Don't share information such as a pet's name or a wedding anniversary that you may have also used as a PIN or password.
Think before you post
A staggering 2.5 billion pictures are uploaded to Facebook every month and is second only to Google as the most visited website in the UK. Whilst sharing your festive snaps may seem like innocent fun, they could alert a thief that you're away from home.
Use security settings
Make use of the security settings available on all networking sites so that only true friends can see your photos and personal postings. Be aware of what friends post publicly about you - they may not guess that your old school nickname is now your bank account password, but a criminal might.
Don't accept every offer of cyber friendship
Not every offer of friendship is as innocent as it may seem - you could be welcoming a fraudster into your world and putting your identity at risk. Check out claimed connections or contacts first, and don't be afraid to email the contact before accepting the offer.
Regularly check your credit report
The Home Office recommends regular checks on your credit report as a precaution against ID fraud. It lists accounts including cards, loans and mortgages along with new applications and your repayment record, so it's easy to spot anything unfamiliar and stop trouble before it takes hold. It's free to access your Experian credit report with a 30-day trial of CreditExpert.