Jay Trucks and Associates Legal Blog

Social media sites allow you to keep in contact with friends, exchange information with classmates and co-workers around the world and even introduce yourself to large audiences or celebrities that were never accessible to you before.

Prior to creating a Facebook page, setting up a Twitter account, or broadcasting YouTube, you must have a good idea of what you want to accomplish and what the "rules" are.

Social media sites are meant to connect people to each other, but Internet imposters are using social media networking sites to bilk victims of thousands of dollars through diabolical scams. Recently the FBI issued a warning to consumers regarding these scams. Internet criminals have hijacked accounts on social networking sites and spread malicious software as well through a variety of techniques.

You should never send money to anyone using Western Union unless you do not care where your money will wind up. Do not trust your e-mail even if it comes from someone you know. Unexpected offers, greeting cards or solicitations should be treated with total skepticism. Do not click until you call to verify the source.

As more and more people hop on the social media bandwagon, the number of victims of Internet crimes will surely increase. Putting yourself "out there" will allow more people access to your personal and financial information. To protect yourself from identity theft and other Internet crimes, please learn about the rights and responsibilities that accompany these social media web sites. Don’t tweet before you know what tweeting is all about.

If you have been a victim of a social media scam, please contact the attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates, PC in Clare, Michigan to learn what you can do to protect your legal rights.