Before you even think about passing on personal information to any social networking or money making sites here are a few security tips that you should actively consider, they won't protect you completely but may reduce your risk:

1. Consider setting up an separate bank account for managing online earnings and payments or creating a paypal account (Click Here). This simple measure ensures that in the unlikely event that you are the victim of an online scam your primary bank account which your wages and savings go into remains safe.

2. Before you even consider joining the site check to see if they have a online security statement avoid sites that have no information concerning how they will manage your personal data.

3. Avoid creating a user name based on your name for example joebloggs123 and opt out of options to display the city that you live in. This is because you may be more vulnerable to identity fraud, particularly if a fraudster has you name (from your user name) and the city you live in , it's very easy to check the electoral register for your address and use this information to steal your identity.

4. Never pass on personal information about yourself to another user no matter how sincere they might be as you simply don't know whether that person is who they claim to be.

5. Be careful about the types of pictures you post on any social networking forums. Whilst you might think you are showing off your good looks and having fun it is easy for other users to become fixated, I'm not saying don't post pictures of yourself, but just be careful. Try to stick to neutral pictures like, your garden, your pets, places you've visited whilst on holiday.

6. If you use a Wireless connection to access the internet ensure that your network (via your router) is secure. This is easy to do as all routers now come with encryption software that enable you set password protection so that no one else with a wireless connection can access your network. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer of the router and ask for advice on how to set up the security element to the network. An unsecured network is as good as giving a criminal your bank details, as they can access your personal files and even use software to record the keystrokes you make revealing sensitive data such as passwords.