Safety on your Social Network and Dating Sites

I have touched on this in an earlier blog entry, but it is worth going into some more detail.

Phishing is a very common practice on ALL social networks and dating sites. Now to be fair to the sites themselves, they do try ardently to prevent this from happening, and they have very strict guidelines. So they do try to protect their users, it is just a huge undertaking and that is why they also rely on you the user.

So now that I have made it clear that I am in no way slagging off social networks and dating sites here are my top tips to being careful but still enjoying your time online.

1. Pay attention to the detail on the users page or profile
2. If asked to IM (instant message) off site DON'T DO IT!
and report the message or comment to the sites security dept. There is usually a report button very visible.
3. Never give personal details such as e-mail address etc:
4. If you are given a sob story and asked to cash or send checks, money orders etc; DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES AGREE TO DO IT NO MATTER HOW TEMPTED YOU ARE!
5. Pay attention to the detail given in a message. If someone says that they are from the UK, the English will be up to scratch. It's little things that give them away.
6. The picture on their profile is usually picture perfect (this is not a complete give away, as many people use social networks)
7. You will usually get excessive compliments about you and your profile and about how special you are.
8. Remember to follow your instincts! Ignore anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
9. Do not take these online attacks personally.
10. Exercise your right to choose. There is always a block or ignore button. USE IT

I hope you have found this post useful, if you have any tips you would like to add, please post a comment or message me.