Private Facebook profiles. Can an possible employer still hack into it to see the profile?

[Stephs1]

I have a friend trying to get a job as a police officer. He has only a facebook profile that is private and on it he plays the game Mafia Wars. Is it possible that they could break into his profile without his consent and not hire him because he plays Mafia Wars? His mom is freaking out on him and saying he will never get a job with a police agency if he continues to play that game. Is it true they can look at a private profile?

[markdaviid]

If the employer is a hacking genius, yes.

If not, then no.

They cannot look at private profiles unless they are your friends

[nothing.]

If his profile is set so that only his friends can see his profile - no one else can see it.


By default, only users within your networks and your confirmed friends can view your profile. You can adjust who can view your profile by following these steps:
Click the "Privacy Settings" option in the Settings drop-down menu at the top of any Facebook page.
Select the Profile section.
The Profile setting will allow you to customize who can view your profile page.
With the most private option, "Only Friends," only users who are your confirmed friends will be able to see your profile. If you want to have a very private profile this is a good setting to use. However, keep in mind that people who are not friends with you will have trouble identifying you.

[Invisible Girl]

They wouldn't have to hack in. All they would have to do is create an account and play the game themselves. To be successful at Mafia Wars you need a large "Mafia" ... meaning you add people you don't know all the time.

But I wouldn't think that game would keep him from getting hired. It's just a game.

[tibby]

Nobody who is not your friend, they will not be able to access your account. However, I have heard that that employers can ask your friend (how they know who your friend is, is beyond me) to send a copy of your page via email. Meaning, your friend will hit Print Screen, save it and then email it to the employer.

Somehow it can be done though.

Just be careful about what you post or do on facebook, it will get out to others. No matter how private your profile is.

A rule of thumb.