Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are a great way to keep up with friends and follow sports and celebrities. They can also expose your computer to viruses and possibly make you vulnerable to identity theft. The Better Business Bureau recommends never installing a game or application you are not sure is legitimate. Also be careful when clicking on a link or video shared by a friend. Just because someone you know shared it, that’s not a guarantee it is safe to click. Go through your privacy settings and be aware of who is viewing your personal information and what they can see. The more personal information you share with the public, the easier it is for someone to steal your identity. Never give out personal information on sites you are unsure about. Always double check friend or follower requests, and do not automatically accept new requests. Always check the person’s profile and verify the request is from a real person. On Facebook, watch for posts containing poor grammar, as scheme Facebook posts are often full of typos and poor English. If you spot suspicious activity coming from a friend’s social media account, let the person know directly. If you suspect your account has been hacked, change your password, and do not share your new password with anyone.
