I think social networking sites, such as facebook is still having that kind of issues until now, but the users are more intelligent now , and they are aware of everything that is happening specially with scammers.

At this point I think most social network users must be aware of the the visibility of their information when posted online. Not only do people need to monitor their settings on these websites, but also what is placed on the profile in general. It is very easy to retrieve this information in different manners, so I think it is good advice in general to limit what is put online. Recently Facebook has added a privacy setting that can/cannot allow people to connect to your page via other sites/mobil phones, linking all of your information together. This can be really exposing and is important to change this setting immediately if you do not want all of your information openly across the web!

Another article about harvesting of Facebook information to be aware of.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10796584

I think the advice is to check your security settings to make sure you are happy with the information that is publicly viewable.

Yes I agree, as I have commented before. Someone I know, had to take swift action with their Facebook account, after they were a victim of indentity theft. If you post information to Facebook or other similar site, it can provide the last bit of information for someone to steal your identity and to start obtaining finance etc, in your name.

Also to be aware of, from posts I have read on other forums. Debt companies have been known to dip into Facebook to use the information to their advantage. One poster was actually taunted by a member of debt companies staff about their Facebook entries and the debt company would use this publically available information, if they proceeded to take legal action.

Facebook does have security controls, so you can filter what you want people to see, without your consent. But is the security on Facebook infallible ? Can accounts be hacked into ?

Guys be extremely careful about joining social networking sites such as Facebook that M.S. has forged a new relationship with or other sites such as Twitter.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/7900704/Burglars-using-Twitter-and-Facebook-to-case-the-joint.html

As huckster once intimated that criminals harvest this information, the above link further confirms that Burglars are now using such sites to their advantage. Be vigilant, particularly now the holiday season is upon us.!

If you must join then everyone needs to be very very careful about the private information they are to divulge....or ironically you might just be needing to shop around the M.S. home insurance section next year, needing to look for insurers who are willing to provide an affordable premium or even accept you.