Online social networks are a part of daily life for many consumers these days. And they can offer a lot of benefits. For example, social networking sites can reconnect you with old friends, help you find a job, or keep you in touch with family members on a more regular basis.

Social networks also have risks however. And it’s up to you to protect your private information so it doesn’t lead to identity theft. read more..

Some consumers worry too much about credit card fraud and identity theft (such as avoiding all online shopping because they don’t understand Internet security or the fact that online transactions are really not that different than in-person ones;  their information ends up in someone’s computer system either way). Other consumers trust almost blindly. And that can make them easy targets for identity theft.

You can protect yourself and stop identity theft without being overly cautious and limiting your shopping options too drastically. But you do have to be proactive about protecting your credit card information. Are you making yourself an easy target for identity thieves? read more..