Social networkers 'vulnerable to fraud'

Category: Security

October 25th 07, 11:00

Web users have been told that posting their personal details on social networking sights could leave them vulnerable.

Voicing concerns for identity theft and financial fraud, the British Bankers' Association (BBA) told the numerous users of sites like Facebook to stay vigilant and be aware that many of their details were sensitive to fraud.

Even a date of birth can be of use to thieves, according to the BBA, with the sharing of any personal details beyond that strongly cautioned against.

He added that warnings posted by networking sites when users were entering personal information could be helpful: "If they were reminded of the potential risks then that would be a really good thing."

A spokesperson for the BBA said that once personal information was online, "it can be seen by other people, and you don't always have control over who can see it [or] what their motives might be".

Identity theft is claimed to cost the British economy over £1.7 billion annually, with web innovations like social networking sites opening up new possibilities for fraudsters.

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