Expert warns against ‘dangerous’ online posts that make you a criminal target

When it comes to our safety online, we often think about not falling for scams, keeping our online banking information private and not engaging with fake profiles who might seek personal information from us.

However, social media posting can make our physical selves and physical assets a target for criminals too – particularly when it comes to our holidays and travelling.

Online privacy expert Trevor Cooke from EarthWeb highlights four major social media pitfalls to avoid while traveling, ensuring your safety remains intact and you have an enjoyable holiday experience without worrying that you might have compromised your safety.

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Posting Your Location While Traveling

Posting your location on social media as you travel is a risky practice for several reasons, particularly if you tag stories with your current location. By doing so in real-time, you’re essentially broadcasting your whereabouts to a wide audience, which can include potential criminals.

A high-profile example of the dangers involved is the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris, when she was targeted and robbed at gunpoint after posting the location of her hotel and pictures of her expensive jewellery on social media.

Broadcasting your current whereabouts can make you vulnerable to various risks, including burglary, stalking, and other personal safety threats.

“If you really want to share the location of where you travelled to, wait until you’re already at the next location or back home,” advises security expert Trevor. “By delaying your posts, you can still share your experiences without compromising your safety.”

Leaving Your Home Vulnerable

Criminals can take advantage of the information you share to target you or your unoccupied home. Posting your travel plans on social media means that criminals can easily determine that you’re far away from home.

By revealing your specific travel dates, you inadvertently inform potential burglars of the exact period your home will be unoccupied.

Even a seemingly innocent post like “We’re off for the next two weeks!” provides valuable information to criminals. They now know not only that your house is empty, but also for how long, giving them ample time to plan and execute a break-in.

“Information about your absence can be exploited in various ways, from impersonating you to accessing your personal accounts or even attempting to scam friends and family who might be unaware of your travel plans,” says Trevor. “To protect yourself, it’s best to avoid posting your holiday plans and specific travel dates on social media. If you want to share your experiences, wait until you return home.”

Accidently Uploading Personal Information

Posting travel documents on social media can be extremely risky.

“Many people don’t realize how much personal information is on your boarding pass and other temporary travel documents,” says security expert Trevor. “Boarding passes, for instance, contain sensitive data such as your full name, frequent flyer number, and a barcode that can be scanned to reveal even more information. This data can be used by criminals for identity theft, unauthorized access to your accounts, and other malicious activities”.

Travel itineraries, hotel receipts, and rental car agreements also include personal details, reservation numbers, and other information that can be exploited by cybercriminals, so never post any images that include these documents.

“To protect yourself, always double-check that any picture you upload does not include your boarding pass, travel itinerary, hotel receipts, or any other sensitive information,” adds Trevor.

Living on Your Phone

This final tip is less about security, and more about ensuring you take advantage of your holiday. Don’t let the pressure of your holiday seeming perfect to everyone else affect your own experience.

“Take a moment where you and your friends or family all agree to put phones away or even on airplane mode during times of travel,” says Trevor. “An airplane mode phone can still take pictures and videos of unforgettable holiday moments, but it will keep you from the temptation to post your experiences right away”.

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