Which sites leave you vulnerable to identity theft? How to stay safe online

(ARA) - In just 10 short years, Internet usage has doubled, and today more than 80 percent of the population uses the World Wide Web. This growth has resulted in expanded opportunities, increased personal interaction and the ability to access more information than ever before. But along with these benefits come some serious risks.

Protecting your identity online is a vital responsibility of any Web user, although many people don't realize the ways they're making themselves vulnerable. The following list includes types of sites that may make you more exposed to the dangers of online crime. Knowing these risks can help you be more careful and detailed about what - and who - you allow to access your information.

Buyer/seller sites

Sites like craigslist and eBay make online purchases more varied and accessible than ever before, but at the same time they have opened up consumers to a new world of online danger. Criminals often create accounts on these sites as a ruse for shadier dealings, many times conning trusting buyers into purchasing inferior products, dole out personal information or even release details such as a credit or Social Security card numbers. Use trusted payment methods that are available to lower your risk, including guaranteed payment systems like PayPal, rather than sending virtual cash through money orders or wire transfers. A fast, wireless Internet connection like CLEAR Wireless 4G Internet helps ensure these transactions occur instantly and safely.

Anti-virus sites

While reputable anti-virus providers such as Norton and Symantec provide a valuable service to Internet users in the form of virus protection, unauthorized and unscrupulous online criminals take advantage of their success by creating fake, near-identical versions of the software to download. After downloading, unsuspecting Internet users often find themselves with viruses, some of which are able to extract passwords and financial data directly from their computers and send it to thieves who use it for personal gain. Be sure to download anti-virus (and any other) software only from reputable, licensed dealers whose credentials are readily available and easy to verify.

Social networking sites

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and foursquare have exploded with growth over the past few years - but this growth brings endless opportunities for criminals to swindle Web users. Users of the sites often post far too much personal information on their profiles, such as addresses, birthdays and phone numbers, all of which can be used by savvy criminals to procure detailed financial and banking information. Never list personal details online, always keep your profile private and never state your whereabouts on these sites. Burglars have been known to scour these sites and break into homes of people who broadcast that they are out of town or running errands.

Thousands of Web scams and schemes are circulating at any given time. Sometimes Internet users let their guard down as they become familiar with sites and brand names, and this is when criminals are most likely to strike. Be sure to carefully guard your personal information, particularly on the sites listed above, as your online identity is no less a pathway to your personal data than your wallet or bank statement.

Courtesy of ARAcontent