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BBB Warns About Social Networking Sites

Posted: 4:09 pm EST November 3, 2009Updated: 4:49 pm EST November 3, 2009

Millions of people log onto social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter every day, but scam artists are also on those sites looking to steal personal information and circulate viruses.

News Center 7 spoke with officials at the Better Business Bureau about what precautions should be taken.

Many people rely on social networking sites to stay connected to co-workers, family and friends and it is all fun and games until someone hacks into your account to steal a person’s money and their identity.

John North, President and CEO, of the BBB said, “More and more people are attracted to it. More usable than ever before and scam artists know people out there.”

Mark Graham, of Dayton, is on all major social networking sites. He said, “I get 1,800 pieces of spam a month, of that a large majority of it is phishing-type scams.”

Graham said he has never become a victim of the scams that are floating around, but he said he has come close.

Officials with the BBB said there are a few things to look out for, while using the Internet.

North said the most common is a friend in distress calls or phishing friends.

Beyond that, there are viral wall posts, where people pretend to be your friend to steal personal information. Applications to download can also install viruses.

Officials with the BBB said it is all about common sense. If you don’t recognize the sender, don’t click on the link.

For more information about social networking and possible scam artists, click this link: www.bbb.org.

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