The Christmas season is ideal for vacations and relaxation. However, our excitement can make us a little careless. Most of us announce our plans to family and friends, while some also mention it on social media. Also, many people post photos while they are at their destination. However, here you will see why you should not mention your vacation plans online.
You inform burglars that your house is empty
Fraudsters and burglars are watching you on social media and waiting for you to go on vacation so they can rob your home. When you mention on social media when you will be traveling or when you upload photos while you are away, you make it easy for them. They know exactly when your house will be empty and can act without being disturbed.
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And while authorities are warning the public about this tactic, most people are still sharing such information online. If you've planned to go on vacation these days, keep it to yourself.
Also, don't think you're safe if your social media profiles are private. People you might trust could accidentally reveal that your home is temporarily empty.
You allow sensitive data to be stolen
When you post about your vacation, you’re not just sharing photos and memories. You’re also revealing personal information that can be used for malicious purposes. For example, posting pictures of passport can reveal sensitive details like your name, flight number, and barcode that could be exploited by “identity thieves.” Fraudsters could then use your data for targeted phishing attacks and other scams.
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You show scammers that your attention is elsewhere
When you’re away on vacation, you may not be interacting with your devices much. This gives fraudsters the opportunity to try to gain access to your online accounts without you noticing that you’re being sent emails or password reset. By the time you do notice, it may be too late.
Like burglars, online scammers also monitor social media to see what you’re up to. They wait for the right moment to take action, trying to use any useful information they’ve gathered. Then, they gain access to bank accounts or social media.
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How to protect yourself from these risks?
The solution to the above is obvious: don't post information online about that awesome trip you're planning. If you absolutely must post related photos, wait until you get back from vacation.
Also, secure your accounts by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and using a password manager. Finally, don't share personal informationthat could be used to hack accounts.
Source: www.howtogeek.com
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