Players warned about online ID theft

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) say rugby league players, AFL footballers and
cricketers are falling victim to online identity theft.
Broncos players on Tuesday undertook cyber-training as an AFP roadshow visited
Queensland for National Cyber Security Awareness Week.
The seminars focus on giving players advice about privacy on social networking sites
and protecting their personal and financial information.
"People are using social media and networking sites more and more these days and it
is important players understand how to use these sites safely," NRL education and
welfare officer Nigel Vagana said.
"A few of our boys have been victims of fake identities online, so we're just making
sure we're giving them an understanding how to go about protecting themselves.
He said it was also about raising community awareness of the issue.
"It's about helping the youth as well," he said.
"Obviously our guys are in the public eye, and if we can help promote safety for
young Australians all around the country it's a good thing for everyone."
Bronco and State of Origin player Corey Parker said the training was very useful.
"You can't escape what's going on, and as a player and as a person in society you
want to protect yourself," he said.
"Today's workshop certainly gave us a great understanding how to do that."
AFP project officer Mel Sevil warned players to be aware of fake profiles.
"We've already seen AFL players and cricketers who've identified fake profiles about
themselves online," she said.
Ms Sevil advised players of the need to monitor their public profiles, how to have
fake profiles removed, and the dangers of posting inappropriate material.
"If you're not happy for that to be handed `round the dinner table, or posted to
your grandma, don't put it online," she said.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said awareness is the best weapon for online
security.
"The one message the AFP would like all social networking site users to take home is
to ensure that privacy settings are activated and to limit access to personal
information to friends only," he said.
"The best approach is to limit access to people you actually know in the real world."