How to Avoid Social Networking Scams

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By CM Herold
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With the proliferation of online social networking scams, hackers and thieves have been busy coming up with sneaky ways to steal your identity and money. Since social networking sites are geared towards connecting with friends and family, crooks are very astute at taking advantage of relationships built on trust. Don't become the victim of an online networking con artist. Follow the steps below to avoid social networking scams.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Never click links in any social networking emails unless you check with the person who sent it to via a phone or in person. If the link is for a website, go to the site through your browser instead of the email link.
Step 2

Make your facebook, myspace, and any other social networking accounts private. Only your friends should be allowed access to your information.
Step 3

Be cautious about anyone who asks for money, even a friend or relative, through your social networking account. Many times scammers can get enough details to impersonate a friend or relative in distress.
Step 4

Never upload updates from an email link, even if the email states it comes from your social networking company. Always go to the website through your browser.
Step 5

Keep your security software up to date.
Step 6

Don't re-enter your sign-on information once you've already signed on to your social networking website. Many scammers are able to re-create the look of sign-on screens.
Step 7

Google search yourself every once in a while. Scammers are proficient at creating other people's identity online.
Step 8

Report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The link is located in the resource section below.

Comments

StacyP said

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on 8/1/2009 This is useful information to know. There are so many scammers out there. (And I didn't know there's an Internet Crime Complaint Center--nice!)