We hope everyone is having a safe and happy holiday season. Things were a little slow news wise this past week, but the scammers didn’t slow down at all. We don’t anticipate a change in that anytime soon. A lot of people received tech gadgets over the holidays and will be using them to access the internet and social sites. Be sure to protect your new systems with the appropriate anti-virus, firewalls and identity theft solutions, so that you don’t become a statistic. Also, during this season of giving, take a little time out to help a friend or family member learn the ropes about online privacy and safety. What may seem like common sense to you, may be a total surprise to someone less tech savvy. If everyone pitches in and does a little bit, then we can all work together in making Facebook a safer place.

---

Stories we followed this week relating to privacy and safety issues of social networking sites are listed below:

AMBER Alert Set to Reach Millions through Facebook

Keep Your Status Updates Safe For The Holidays

Impersonating someone online will soon be a crime

Talking to Your Kids About Online Safety

How Smartphone Apps Spy on Their Users

---

Scams of the Week:

‘You won 300 Farm Cash! – 300 Free FV Cash Christmas Celebration [Zynga]

-WTF!- Teenage Mom Jailed after Uploading Disgusting Photo of her Baby on Facebook

OMG This girl got jailed 2 years for posting this status update!

Honestly, I was shaking after I read this, it was a nice girl

This American GUY must be Stoned to De@th for doing this to a GIRL!

240 Wildlife Points 100% FREE

[BREAKING NEWS] Shocking Revenge over Facebook Status!

OMG! One years old girl pregnant with twins in her belly! Shocking! You must see this!

Reserve and get your own you@facebook.com!

---

Other notable Facebook stories we followed:

What Facebook Can Give Back To The Web

Facebook choking game claims life of Brandon Stine, 11, at home in Michigan

Still Don’t Think Net Neutrality Is a Big Deal?

Which is Worse, WikiLeaks or Facebook?

Mark Zuckerberg is TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year? Where’s the “dislike” button?

---

Connect with us on our Facebook page to receive daily updates on top news stories and scam alerts: http://facebook/Facecrooks. Don’t see your favorite story of the week here? Submit it in the comments section below