The Video
Key Takeaways
Make sure you review your privacy settings on all of your social media platforms. Some of these suggestions may make it harder for your friends to find you, but it also makes it harder for fraudsters to scam you. It's a delicate balance, but we recommend leaning more toward restrictive sharing settings. Here are a few configuration tips to help protect your account and information on social networks:
- Don't share your friend list publicly and only allow your friends to see mutual connections, rather than your entire friend list (see Facebook example below).
- Don't make your personal profile public, unless it's an intentional marketing or brand promotion move (e.g., hobby photography site).
- Be aware that most people will not use social media to reach out to their contacts in an emergency situation; be skeptical and verify using an alternate communication method (e.g., call them on the phone) if you happen to get a "911" message on social media.