BBB Warns Against Over-Sharing On Social Media Sites

By: Alex Mazer | NBC4i.com
Published: December 20, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- If you’re heading out of town this holiday season, the Columbus Better Business Bureau and Allstate Insurance has some helpful tips to keep you safe when using your social media sites.

Turn off automatic locating functions. Most social media sites with geo-location and tracking functionalities have options to turn them off.
Review your privacy settings. Make sure you understand who you are broadcasting your information to each time you post. If you are not comfortable with what people can see about you, change your settings.
Delay uploading pictures until returning home. Thieves may be able to view details about smart phone pictures, such as where the picture was taken and at what time. Posting pictures in real time lets others know you're not at home.
Be aware of photo and video backgrounds. Avoid making videos that reveal house numbers, identifying auto or other information telling others exactly where you live.
Be careful of where you "check in." If checking in at various locations as you shop or dine, use precaution. You may be alerting a thief to goodies in your car's trunk. Consider checking-in as you leave or at every other location.
Keep your travel plans offline. Although it may be hard not to start the long-awaited vacation countdown or brag to friends with a photo from the beach, this information also can tell thieves when you're away. Save the vacation details for your return.
If you must update, don't be specific. If you stop updating while on vacation, will friends and followers immediately fear the worst and contact the authorities? If so, just post a quick update that says you'll be offline for a while.
Maintain that lived-in look. While traveling, take precautions to deter burglars. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway, stop paper delivery, set-up timers for household lights, and lock up.
Keep expensive gifts quiet. Despite excitement about the new tablet or gaming system received this year, resist the temptation to post updates about any big ticket items new to the household. Instead, update your home inventory to include them.