Predators and thieves see what you post online
Sometimes people aren’t as street smart as they choose to believe. They share personal information online and then act surprised when they become victims of a crime.
I am changing my friends’ names here
Ann took a picture of an envelope and posted it on Facebook. This envelope had her name, address, city, state and zip. She also told Facebook she was leaving town for 10 days to visit a friend in Hawaii. Two weeks later, she told Facebook her home was burglarized. I told her she presented valuable information online to a potential thief. “Ah yes, I think you’re right, Mark,” she replied.
Is your happy family sharing too much information online? Predators and thieves do research with information you share.
Jen posted her address and pictures of her home on Facebook. She also told Facebook she was leaving town to run a retreat. I told her she presented valuable information to a potential thief. She replied her neighbors agreed to watch her home. “What’s wrong with that, Mark? Her neighbors are watching the house, right,” you may ask. She is making her neighbors volunteer security guards. Are they contracted to keep watch 24×7? I do not think so.
Ken posted pictures of his kids online. He also posted his address, since he receives work mail at home. He also routinely tells Facebook when he is out of town for training, workshops and other events. A predator can do a little research, find his adorable kids and learn when Ken will be out of town. Nothing has happened yet. Let’s hope a predator does not find Ken’s kids. Let’s hope Ken reduces the amount of information he shares online.
Censor what you post online
You are responsible for what you post online. The more you share, the more information you volunteer to potential predators and thieves. be careful and ask “Do I want everybody to see this?” before clicking the Post button.
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Content from How Hacks Happen and how to protect yourself. Visit https://howhackshappen.com and view three chapters online for FREE today or visit https://www.amazon.com/How-Hacks-Happen-protect-yourself/dp/0983576920/. By Mark Anthony Germanos, of https://cybersafetynet.net/about-cyber-safety-net/.