Social Networking Scammers

BOWLING GREEN, OHIO - You might think posting an unflattering picture of yourself is the only potential danger on Facebook or Myspace. But you'd be wrong.

Scammers are now using social networking sites as another way to get at your personal information.

So, in observance of National Cyber Securtity Awareness Month, Bowling Green State University is hosting a presentation to give you some social networking guidelines.

It's called "Protecting Your Good Name-Social Networking Awarness and Identity Theft Precautions." Two FBI agents were at BGSU on Wednesday to give their advice to the public.

The FBI agents say they've seen how crooks can take what may seem like harmless information on websites, like Myspace, or Facebook, and use it to their advantage -  even stealing identities.

But now, if you know how you can protect yourself, you don't have to throw out your all your good info with the bad.

Subscribing to social networks does have it's advantages. It's an easy way to keep in touch with old friends, and in some cases, the networking capabilities could even land you a great job.

But it's important to know that those same tidbits that can get you well-wishes or several comments on your status update, could also get you in trouble - if they end up in the wrong hands.

If you haven't already,

• make your profile(s) private
• avoid including detailed information like address, phone number, or birthdate
• Check yourself!!! Log out of your profile(s) and search your name and/or information like anyone else could. This is a good way to see what's out there and get rid of what you need to.