Networking websites like Facebook are becoming increasingly popular.
With all the connecting and reconnecting that occurs on these sites, a lot of information is traded.
People commonly share information online that is better kept undisclosed and it is vital to your safety to recognize these dangers.
Never post online that you are going out of town and will not be home for any extended period of time.
This simply advertises to the virtual world that your house is empty and ripe for burglary.
Instead of broadcasting your vacation plans, call or send emails to those who really need to know.
Then, when you return from your retreat, you can tell your networking friends all about it.
Do not post your birth date, address, or even year of graduation as this is all important personal information that identity thieves thrive on.
Beware of "security questions" as well.
Posting which high school you attended or your mother's maiden name for all to see can also lead to identity theft.
Avoid talking about valuable items you may collect, or big new purchases that you have made as these are tempting to criminals trolling social networks.
Be careful of those you allow access to your profile.
If you have posted where you work, all a person needs is a list of your contacts.
Once he has these two things he could easily send false information about you to your boss, coworkers, and customers.
The extensive trade of information online has dramatically changed our world.
This is both good and bad.
Nevertheless, it is up to you to be cautious and take the responsibility to protect yourself against those who would seek to take advantage.
Never post any kind of information online that you would not give a complete stranger.
It is impossible to tell who might be reading your profile and taking note of your daily schedule or what they may intend to do with the information.