Blocking people on Facebook may not be enough to sway identity fraud

With more than 800 million Facebook users internationally, the social network is a haven for identity theft experts. With personal information stolen through the website, such as Social Security numbers, addresses and bank account numbers, thieves are able to open up credit card accounts, Fox Business reports. According to the Federal Trade Commission, approximately 10 million Americans are victims of identity fraud every year. Although users are able to block public access to their personal Facebook accounts, identity frauds don't require that much information to steal someone's identity. With just a Social Security number or mother's maiden name, a criminal could potentially tack on thousands of dollars in credit card charges, the news source reports. To ensure a consumer's credit card charge is legitimate, some companies may contact the individual to ensure they made the purchase, especially if it seems like an unordinary acquisition. However, consumers should be encouraged to make routine checks of their credit card statements. "Credit cards offer the greatest protection [against fraud] because you have zero liability as long as you tell the issuer when you see your statement," Ben Woolsey of CreditCards.com said. "Even after you pay your bill you can still get the money refunded."