Social network criminals

GULF COAST, Ala. - If you're on Facebook, Myspace, or even Twitter, you could be a target for thieves.

Millions of people are members of social networking sites, and cyber criminals are targeting them.

Internet thieves are accessing information from people everyday, and they are stealing it from Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and other social networking sites.

The problem has become so prevalent the FBI has gotten involved.

Crooks get your information when you click on certain links and ads that rotate on side bars. Links and advertisements lure to fake websites that collect personal details and account numbers. Not all of the links and ads are faulty, but be careful what you click on, and certainly what you post as your status.

Social networks are an easy target because there is a wealth of personal information available, and your friend list can become their hit list in a matter of minutes.

More than $250 million was stolen last year from social network users. There are some things to do in order to protect yourself. Be selective when you add and accept friends, change your password frequently, and familiarize yourself with the security settings.