Any one with a Facebook, Myspace or Twitter account, (probably everyone who reads this blog, ) needs to read two recent posts on Mashable, about how tax authorities and burglars are both using social networking sites to find people to go after.
The first Mashable post talks about how state tax authorities from several states, have been succesful in collecting back taxes from taxpayers using information acknowledged that they are using social networking sites to gather information to use to go after taxpayers:
“”They look for a wide range of publicly posted personal financially-related information including relocation announcements, earnings boasts, gig announcements”
The article goes on to explain why Myspace.com uses are at great risk but also says that tax officials are using Google as well.
Although not discussed in the article, the IRS is most likely using these tools as well. Let’s not forget Richard Hatch who after winning $1 Million on Survivor went on the radio to tell the world he neglected to pay taxes on the income. Telling your network of “friends” about a big sale or a huge win at the race, might wind up on the authorities radar.
The second Mashable post, talks about how professional thief’s are using social network sites to decide whom to rob and when to rob them.
“”The combination of a willingness to “friend” total strangers and open broadcasting about one’s holiday plans, whereabouts, purchases, home interiors and other personal information essentially creates a field day for professional burglars.””
The post goes on to note that hardly anyone blocks a follower from its Twitter account.
Many people use Twitter to tell all their followers what they are doing, where they are at every moment of the day, giving the bad guys all the info they need to come and take your stuff.
I personally notice 30 people joining and dropping off my Twitter follows a week. Unlike many, I do not automatically follow everyone who follows me and on FaceBook.com I do not accept requests to join unless I know the person, or they have many common friends and appear to be in the business. I also do not use either one, to update everyone on my location and travel plans.
Something to think about.
Bottom line, as I have said before, think about what you are posting on these sites, while we love the social networking aspects of them, there are some real downsides to spilling your guts.
You can turn privacy on in any of those networking sites so that only “friends” or whoever you designate can see certain things or even nothing at all.
I have no Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etcetera account
I’ve always known this was going to happen. I’m just surprised how many people have never thought about these things.
It’s a goldmine for anyone wanting info on anyone…..and they gave it away free.
It’s sad really.
If you use wordpress there is a handy plugin called “Members Only” that at least requires visitors to register before you let them see your information. Displaying your domains or other personal information out in the open is a great way to attract attention, but maybe the wrong type. It’s like opening your bank account or home wide open for everyone to see and save. 🙁
Parasites are everywhere and they want access to your information and assets.
Brave new world, not.
Peace.
The problem with all social media is that at its core it’s a useless waste for time, mainly because of how random it is and how much junk there is mixed in with anything useful for you. Another thing about social media is that it’s all based on mentality of sheep following herd. There will come a point, probably much sooner than most think, when young attractive women will decide that twitter and facebook are the lamest thing in the world. The sheep will drop en masse right after that. Nobody wants to be the last idiot standing.
Personally i never cared much about social media, i think the business benefits are over hyped, i really don’t see much to gain in social media, it’s just a time waste IMO.
However those sites are a funny thing, most people are always worried about privacy, about security etc… and then they expose their Lives on social media sites
Social media sites are like new trends, these ones are famous until something new comes up, that’s how it works, there’s always the next big thing.
Social Media is here to stay, whether you like it or not. BTW, blogging and leaving comments on a blog is another form of social media. I swear, domainers are idiots.
I love how domainers will bash social media or any new form of media, but then hype the hell out of crap like parking pages and minisites (aka “glorified parking pages”).
“Another thing about social media is that it’s all based on mentality of sheep following herd…”
So true. Its kind of like buying a zillion domains and putting them on some parking page that looks like a relic from the 90’s. I guess the business benefits of an ugly Sedo parking page far outweigh those of an interactive social media site. Silly me.
And here’s some other info that the IRS can find out about you: phone numbers, email address, mailing address, or just about any other personal information. I guess we should ban those too? Lets ban your blogs and websites too, while we’re at it.
If you are active on the Internet in general (not just social media), you run the risk of someone stealing your information. To attack social media just because you don’t like it (nor understand it) makes you look like a luddite and a fool.
Tim
How do you get out of my post that I’m attacking or bashing social media?
First these are posts appeared on Mashable.com a Tech publication, as the post clearly indicates.
Second, just because I point out potential issues and problems about something doesn’t mean I’m against the use of it.
I have a Facebook and Twitter account and have am active on those sites.
Just because I might tell someone not to drink a bottle of scotch a night, doesn’t mean I’m against drinking.
MHB,
I wasn’t talking about your post, but some of the comments left on your post. Sorry, I should have pointed that out.
Very targeted and very well moderated forums or blogs built on DOMAIN.com can work great. But mass social media like tweeter or facebook are largelly platforms to waste your time; totally worthless traffic.
Tim and Mike,
I think most would agree not just social media sites but any website with too much personal or important information about you or you business is a bad thing. For example I have started to believe listing domains for sale on your individual website or the auction brokers is a tricky business. If the MAN wants your information I am sure he could subpoena Mike and his site or anyone else inside the US to find out who all of these posts are from if they felt it was a “national security” issue. Scary times. Personally I host and register some of my more valuable sites in Canada. Not the best solution but imho, better based on civil liberties, recent court rulings (google – facebook Canada) and personal rights. Getting worse though.
Best.
Thanks again Mike for the great topics.
Recent Facebook ruling in Canada that will propagate throughout the world.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/171030/thanks_canada_facebooks_4_big_privacy_fixes.html
I rather spend my energies on XXX than worrying about something I cannot control.
Read the latest wired magazine?
It is hard to conceal your identity.
It’s time to zip our lips and bury our valuables out in the woods. Hold on to your wallet…They are coming after it.
National Security? If it wasn’t so threatening it would be laughable.
Mikey: “Just because I might tell someone not to drink a bottle of scotch a night, doesn’t mean I’m against drinking.”
Ahem… you wouldn’t be referring to certain domainers who might have a few sips of scotch nightly, and then post ridiculous comments, would you? Because I’m with you on this! People! Don’t drink a bottle of scotch at night! Try and get it down during the day first! THEN try not to drink another one at night… something like that… wait… *sip*… now what were we saying?
😉
Anyone that thinks the Internet is totally private is not paying attention.
Thieves, law enforcement and about everyone else that has a motive to violate your privacy has the tools to do it.
And social marketing… same story. I am always amused at the number of people who don’t know me wanting to connect. Some folks like that stuff so don’t bother to read something in this social mearketing comment that is saying I am aganist. But, I will stand by my belief that social marketing is the biggest threat to privacy so far on the Internet.
Folks have a right to know who is listening. Check your privacy policies and don’t use services that share your information. And be aware that when they say they only share it internattly, some companies have departments set up to snoop. They are totally within legal bounds when they do it.
Bottom line… if someone can snoop and has something to gain from it, they will do it.
Steve C–totally agree with you.
If you do not want to be discovered, go live in the caves with Osama.
Bottom line, I have nothing to hide, come get me if you like but please do not shut down my precious BullShitWebsites dot com.
That all I have.
Jon, you’re an idiot.