Thursday, September 02, 2010 - 2:42:41 PM

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Social Networking Sites Leaving You Vulnerable? - 2/23/2010

That Tweet or Facebook status update giving your whereabouts may seem harmless, but could it be giving would-be thieves the information they need to make their move.

The folks at Confused.com, an insurance price comparison website think so. Infact, they're warning that using social networking sites could lead to higher homeowners insurance rates or worse, grounds for denying a claim altogether.

But traditional insurance companies say not so fast.
 
"At this point, we kind of believe claims resulting from this activity will be minimal, but will continue to monitor the situation," said Rhonda Lynn Richards, Public Affairs Specialist for State Farm Insurance.

But just because it's not affecting your insurance, doesn't mean you shouldn't be cautious of giving out too much info on social networking sites.

Social Media Consultant, Jenn Fowler says think twice about using location-based applications that pinpoint where you are sending a message from.
 
If you really need to let folks know where you've been and what you're doing consider delaying the message.

"Don't check in until you're leaving a place or check in after you've returned home as if you are still there," said Fowler.

She says allow only friends to view your most personal info. It may sound like common sense, but anything that can't be found in the phone book or isn't public knowledge shouldn't be displayed either
and Fowler says once something is posted online it's there forever.

"Someone who is truly determined could link together something you said a couple of days ago about going on vacation and something you say today about having to pack, and link the whole picture together," said Fowler.

So as more and more social networking applications emerge, experts like fowler  adviseconsumers to do their homework before signing on.

***FOX 40'S GRACE CHARLES REPORTING***

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