The popularity of online social networking sites leaves firms and individuals open to crime, experts warn. Popular password options, such as a pet's name, and other unwittingly posted personal data make the sites a fraudster's dream.

MySpace, Bebo, Facebook, Friends Reunited – many people are registered with at least one if not more of these social networking websites. Over 16 million people are registered with Friends Reunited and it’s estimated that 28 million are members of Facebook. And whilst the advantages of these sites are well known, online credit information agency Equifax is warning that there are some real risks to personal information when putting personal details online.

“Fraudsters are taking advantage of the new craze for social networking,” warns Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director for Equifax. “The problem is that people don’t realise the significance of the kind of information they are putting out on the web and who may be accessing it. More and more consumers are signing up to these sites every day and chances are they’ll put on their date of birth, location, email, job and marital status."

“Similarly, nearly all of us can search for a name of an old friend and find all their personal details online without them even knowing. Unfortunately, the fact is that not everybody is searching for a friend. Fraudsters can use this information to steal an individual’s identity and open accounts in their name.”

Munroe concludes, “We don’t want to stop people using these sites, but we do advise them to limit the amount of information they make available to stop people stealing their identity. Individuals should think twice before putting their full date of birth online. Announcing they’re going on holiday could leave them open to burglary. Similarly, don’t reveal the names of pets and children, as they’re often used as passwords. And don’t make it easy for fraudsters by listing all your networking addresses in one place. Play it safe and use privacy filters where available.”

Equifax advises users of online social networking sites to take the following precautions:

• Don’t include common verification such as your date of birth or your mothers maiden name.
• Set up privacy on your profile so only close friends can view your information.
• If you are going on holiday or you will be left in your home alone, don’t put it on your site. This could leave you vulnerable to break-ins.
• Potential partners and employers are often searching names on these sites. Don’t put anything on your site which could ruin your chances of a new job or boyfriend/girlfriend.
• Be wary of anyone you meet on these sites. The photo may be deceptive and they may have different intentions.

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