Keeping a Low Profile on Social Media

We’re all guilty of it. Posting exciting news about upcoming vacations on Facebook, loading pictures of that amazing view from your hotel to Instagram and live Tweeting about the scene at the foreign coffee shop where you’re grabbing your morning lattes while out of town.

Social media is a travel temptation most people can’t resist, and, unfortunately, it’s also a big welcome sign to burglars and robbers saying, “I’m not home.” Websites like RobMeNow.com were created to bring awareness to the general public on just how dangerous social media can be when it comes to letting the world know exactly where to find you … and where not to find you.

A recent study from CreditSesame.com found that nearly 80 percent of former burglars believe thieves are using social networking sites to target homes. Keep your home safe while you’re away by following these quick tips online.

• Don’t announce your plans for travel, or just keep it vague if you do (i.e., “Can’t wait to be on the beach in Puerto Rico” versus “Puerto Rico in 3 days!”)
• Turn off location finders that tell people what cities you’re posting from.
• Always avoid posting pictures of your home and/or any incriminating features that would let burglars know which house is yours on the street.
• Save your posts and pictures for when you return and instead stash your phone so you can enjoy your vacation in real time.
• Set your profiles to private to avoid lurkers and burglars from being able to access your photos/tweets/updates.