PNP offers tips vs online predators

MANILA, Philippines - Most people use the popular online social networking site Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends by sharing updates and photographs.

It is, however, also a gold mine of information for online predators prepared to steal financial identity and harass individuals. Acknowledging that Facebook is one of the most popular methods of communication, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recommends updating your privacy settings to avoid having your online identity stolen and your personal life violated.

Users can hide their profiles from search results, limit the personal information uploaded, avoid chatting up strangers, remember to sign out, and avoid creating an account for an organization unless authorized.

Earlier, the PNP Women’s and Children’s Protection Center said the rise in incidences of rape among women and children is connected with the use of Facebook and texting.

“The popularity of these websites has a big effect on rape cases. Most of the rape cases are connected with Facebook and even texting,” police said. Police also discourage participating in online chats with “naughty” topics to avoid sexual harassment. The PNP also suggests changing the privacy setting of photo albums so only real world friends can see and comment on them to avoid harassment through negative comments.

Withholding your home address on your profile can also protect you from stalking and kidnapping.                           

The PNP also said that by simply disclosing your birth year and birth place, you are giving identity thieves the opportunity to guess codes and passwords used in your financial transactions.

“You can fill out all the data about yourself but limit it to those people who are your real world friends,” PNP said. “Do not provide the year and the place where you were born because you have just given the identity thieves a key in stealing your financial life.”