Facebook warnings

[JennyB]

What does everyone think of the facebook warning, about people stealing others identities? Is it not safe anywhere? I really wonder...

 

I have really enjoyed facebook and it has given me the chance to meet new people, old friends and keep up with family members easier in different states.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

Thanks,

Jenny

 

[ohmt]

I think facebook has done a wonderful job with security...especially lately. I have it set up so if I haven't added you as a friend, you can't see any of my information or pictures. The creators have made it safe...people just choose not to take advantage of it

 

[NoddalottaFarm]

I pay for identity theft "insurance" which will help if my identity gets stolen, so I was reluctant to set up a FB page. I did set up a page, but have almost NO personal information on it. I just don't understand the people who post their schooling history, employment, past homes and family information. If you look at any of my friend's pages, you can see just how easy it would be to steal their identity!! Personal information is ALL OVER the internet and its easy to find more than you want to on yourself... but I'm not going to add to that intentionally. My FB page is very boring and its set so only my friends can see anything on it.

Along the same lines.... **WHY** to people post when they are leaving town??? I have a friend who likes to post when she's "leaving for the weekend" for such-n-such horse show, and she even posts when she will be back! Um, are you *trying* to get your house robbed?

 

[Miniv]

Jenny, I think it mainly takes some common sense in regard to how much info you want release. Noddalotta Farm posted some good points.

Ma---

 

[Minimor]

I have to say that I just can't get into Facebook. I did join recently, mostly to check it out & see what all the hype is about, and so that I could see a few other people's pages...but now that I've joined it just doesn't do anything for me & I rarely go there.

My page is very boring, I don't have much info there & no photos, and only my 'friends' can see any of my stuff.

From what I've seen and heard, people are often very stupid about what they post on FB--that guy in the paper the other day who was on the run, hiding out in Mexico--and he started posting a lot on FB and ended up adding a "friend" who was a former government official/agent?--and so then the authorities found him. Then there are people who are on disability but start posting on FB about all the physical activities they are engaging in for fun, and their employer sees that & cuts their disability payments. The people get mad about it but HELLO--what do they expect?? And on a smaller level--all the goofy photos some people post, allowing everyone access to their info--or as said above--posting when they're going to be away from home, for how long--some people make it incredibly easy to have their ID stolen or their homes robbed.

Ya, FB lets you get your 'news' out to a lot of people at one time, but sometimes that just isn't a good thing!

 

[user 488]

From what I've seen and heard, people are often very stupid about what they post on FB--

Along the same lines.... **WHY** to people post when they are leaving town??? I have a friend who likes to post when she's "leaving for the weekend" for such-n-such horse show, and she even posts when she will be back! Um, are you *trying* to get your house robbed?

I agree....STUPID! But I think posting anything like this is ridiculous on any public Forum. It is a personal invitation to get your house and barn robbed. I have seen some things posted on this Forum that just blow me away.

Money in sock drawers right down to way to much personal information. Getting to know people is one thing. But some of what I see is ridiculous and people are just asking for major problems.

Like MA said....People need to have a little more common sense when using FB and use their Security Options. They are there for your safety. Take the time to look after yourself!

 

[wantminimore]

Along the same lines.... **WHY** to people post when they are leaving town??? I have a friend who likes to post when she's "leaving for the weekend" for such-n-such horse show, and she even posts when she will be back! Um, are you *trying* to get your house robbed?

I have a friend that does the same thing, I never tell when i'm leaving but when I return, i'll tell about my trip.

 

[HGFarm]

I agree that WAY too much info is put out there on these Facebook, MySpace, etc.... pages that people put together!!!

I work in Fraud Investigations and do not have any of these pages. But I have reviewed some that revealed everything from where they lived, where they worked, how much they made, how many kids they have, etc.... I just dont think the world needs to see all that stuff with the high financial crimes,etc.... nowadays.

Also, I agree that posting for the world to see when you are leaving, etc... is just asking for it.

 

[hobbyhorse23]

There's some good points brought up here, a few of which I had not considered. Thank you for raising these issues.

I guess I've never worried about posting when I'm going to be gone because I am only one member of my household and usually travel without my family. When I'm gone my parents are still home with the dog, the shotgun and the rest of the critters and Lord help anyone dumb enough to try and break in just because the 5'3" girl is gone!

Leia