The launch of Facebook Places last month could be seen as a good idea, but it has now added to number of risks associated with other location based services.

Having your address visible to everyone could result in a few surprises, unfortunately not all as cute as this little cub.

The Facebook Places service is a service in which Facebook users list their current location to their friends and other users of the service

Home-owners as a majority seem to be unaware that their address may be available to be sold legally on the internet, even if they are ex-directory. Providing that they are listed on the electoral role, their address could be sold on.

Another down-side to this scheme for people who hold home insurance could face raised premiums in the future. This is due, according to the price comparison website confused.com to the ‘additional risks which could arise from broadcasting your information online and on social networking websites.’

So, it might be beneficial to check your settings in sites such as Facebook and Twitter to ensure that you aren’t sharing any information which could be used against you or to aid a burglar.

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