Identity Theft and Social Media Hazards

Amazon, Fortnite, Netflix, Facebook, Spotify, and Tik Tok. What do all of these things have in common? The answer: more than you think. They each have your email address, most have your credit card information, your cell phone number, billing and shipping addresses, and I’m willing to bet you’ve spent more time on these sites over the past few weeks than you do on average. There is a misconception that identity theft only happens through credit card skimmers, phishing emails, data breaches, or going to websites that do not have decent security standards. While that does happen, the real danger lies in your password choices and the information you willingly give out. You would be amazed at what someone can find out about you with something as simple as a Facebook quiz.

How can a Facebook quiz expose you to identity theft? Well, if you look at some current Facebook trends, quizzes and surveys that are circulating, they are all asking you to tell people things like the last 5 places you’ve lived, different names you have gone by, and other personal information.  What many people don’t realize is that the answers to a lot of those questions are the same answers to security questions that are set up in case you forget your password! In a time where we’re trying to stay close to each other over the internet, it’s important to be mindful that what we think we’re telling one person is being told to potentially millions.

It’s easy to forget that when you or anyone else in your family is on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, or any other site, that you are not only communicating with your circle of friends, but you are also opening up your private world to the public. At any given time, there are millions of users online, and they’re all faceless. This goes without saying, but just because their Facebook page looks like someone you know does not mean it’s them. Remember don’t post or send personal information over social media, webcam meetings, or online gaming.

If you’re concerned about oversharing on social media, link your accounts to your IDSeal account. IDSeal will alert you of oversharing or posted information that could be damaging to your reputation. IDSeal monitors the Dark Web 24/7 making sure if your data is found you have the tools, knowledge, and customer care team to help you take steps to secure your information. If you feel like one of your social media accounts might have been compromised or want more information on how we monitor your social media accounts reach out to our customer care team today!