Social networking site details 'lead to credit card fraud'

Australians who put personal details on websites are vulnerable to credit card fraud, according to the police.

People on social networking sites are becoming victims of credit card fraud after posting too much detail about themselves, according to the police.

Queensland's fraud unit head Detective Superintendent Brian Hay said some youngsters reveal too much and their details are being stored ready for when they are old enough to own credit cards, the Courier Mail reported.

Conmen were said to be purchasing the payment devices for as little as $8 and then waiting for the youths to age.

Mr Hay added: "It will come back to impact on them in a big way down the track. There is a lack of appreciation of the dark side of the internet."

Personal details such as date of birth, address and pet names could leave someone vulnerable to Aussie credit fraud.

This news comes after a dating agency was found earlier this month to have used a person's credit card without having the proper authorisation, a court was told.

By Nate Sawyer