The Dangers of Oversharing: Identity Theft on Social Media

Social media is a great way to connect and share milestones, but oversharing can make you a target for identity theft. Details like your full name or birthday might seem harmless but can help scammers steal your identity, hack accounts, or impersonate you—putting your personal and financial security at risk.

Here are some tips to help you protect your identity on social media:

• Avoid sharing personal details: Keep sensitive information like your full name, birthdate, address, phone number, and vacation plans off your social media profiles.
• Check your privacy settings: Make sure your accounts are set to private and only share information with trusted individuals. Be mindful of the platforms where your personal data is visible.
• Think before you post: Even seemingly innocent posts, like sharing your kid’s school or your favorite restaurant, can give scammers clues to security questions.
• Beware of friend requests: Only accept friend requests from people you know. Fake accounts are common, and scammers use them to gather information from unsuspecting individuals.
• Spot phishing attempts: Be cautious of messages asking for personal or financial information, even if they appear to come from someone you trust. Scammers often impersonate friends or even social media platforms to trick you into giving up your details.

By taking a few simple steps to protect your personal information, you can continue enjoying social media while keeping your identity—and your finances—secure. Be mindful of what you share and who you share it with, and you’ll be much less likely to fall victim to identity theft.