A recent study written by reformed burglar Michael Fraser for insurer Legal & General, reveals that 38% of social network users post status updates with details of their holiday plans while others discuss trips away from home outside the privacy of their own page.
In his report Michael Fraser states that by discussing such private information they putting themselves at risk of burglary, according to Fraser criminals are using social networks such as Facebook and Bebo to target individuals. The report warns that by listing private contact details such as your address then openly discussing your holiday dates Internet users are putting themselves at risk of being targeted.
Further research conducted by insurer LV= has found that over 8 million adults have given their chip and PIN details to someone else to make a purchase on their behalf over the past year, resulting in 24% falling victim to fraud.
Online users particularily the 16 – 24′s, who are reportedly the worse age group for posting sensitive information online, need to be made more aware of the risks they face when they log onto social networks and pick up emails.
