Privacy and social media

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram continue to grow in popularity, with billions of online users. However, social networking has also dramatically increased opportunities for fraudsters to get access to your personal information.

Social networking sites build connections between individuals and ask us to share significant amounts of personal information – including names, contact information, education and employment histories, photos and more. It’s not hard to see how these pages can give fraudsters opportunities to impersonate you or try to get access to your good money.

Divulging too much information online can lead to cyber stalking, bullying, identity theft and extortion. In all cases, when using social networking sites and social media (including blogs and wikis), use extreme caution about the kinds of information you make public about yourself – or it could be used against you. And remember, whatever you post on the Internet will be on the Internet forever.

How you can protect yourself when using social media

  • Never post your personal details such as your phone number, date of birth, address or employment details or common security questions (like your mother’s maiden name).
  • Learn about site security privacy features and set them at a level you are comfortable with.
  • Be judicious about whom you allow to be your “friend” online, or to join your network.

Please learn more about our approach to social media.

 
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