Many people are concerned that their use of the social networking website Facebook can unwittingly provide criminals with information thatcould lead to their identity theft. Identity theft is where someone impersonatesyou by opening bank accounts, obtaining credit, a drivers license, etc in yourname. These actions typically set them up to undertake more damaging criminal behaviorslike applying for bank loans or finance and then disappearing leaving theperson whose identity has been stolen to carry the can.

As reported on the Red Tape Chronicles website think aboutthis true story: "Bryan Rutberg'sdaughter was among the first to notice something odd about her dad's Facebookpage. At about 8 p.m. on Jan. 21, she ran into his bedroom and asked why he'dchanged his status to: "BRYANIS IN URGENT NEED OF HELP!!!"

Rutberg initiallythought little of it, and lay down for an after-dinner nap. But an hour later,when his wife woke him to ask what was wrong, he took a second look andrealized his Facebook account had been hacked. Within minutes, his cell phonewas ringing non-stop, with concerned friends calling to offer help. Many hadreceived an e-mail with the story that Rutberg had been robbed at gunpointwhile traveling in the UnitedKingdom, and needed money to get home. Oneeven sent $1,200 to a Western Union branch in London."

Facebook has recently been in the media regarding changes toits website privacy rules that allow greater sharing of your "profile"information. So, how can you ensure that your Facebook profile is not a threatto you.?

Here are some tips for protecting yourself:

Tip #1: Limit the amount of personal information availableon your Facebook profile.

A recent poll of Facebook users found that 27% ofrespondents listed their full name, date of birth, phone number and emailaddress on their Facebook profile. Combined with spouse information or physicaladdress this can leave you at risk.

Tip #2: Be Proactive in Managing  your Facebook privacy settings.

Because Facebook is a social networking site it isconfigured, by default, to make it very easy for other people to find you. Withinthe  "My Privacy" section ofthe site you can and should adjust your settings to "only my friends" and toonly share "basic info". Google these matters if you need help.

Tip #3: Only accept friend requests from people you know.

Research by Facebook suggests that 50% of people accept friendrequests that they receive from people they don't know. If you don't knowsomeone don't accept them as a friend just because they have the same Surnameas you.

Tip #4: Limit the amount of "time and place" datathat you expose through Facebook.

Facebook gives users many opportunities to broadcast theirschedule and whereabouts to their network of friends. Whether it is a simplestatus update or detailed itinerary, criminals can use information about yourcurrent or upcoming whereabouts to victimize you. For example if you announceon Facebook that your holiday in USA is going great and that you have only 2weeks left, isn't that a calling card for a burglar, especially if yourFacebook profile includes your home address.?

Tip #5: Remember that even people you know can be identitythieves.

So don't give people your Facebook password, don't use aneasy to guess password and don't leave yourself logged into Facebook on sharedcomputers. Unfortunately, several recent studies show that a significant numberof identity theft victims know the person that victimized them. Be careful.

If you need help with setting up your laptop to be secure oryou want your security settings checked by a computer expert there are many ofus out there. Call Fix My Laptop today to a comprehensive security audit of your computer.