Sharing holiday moments on Instagram and Facebook has become second nature. Although posting updates about your travels may seem harmless, experts warn that revealing too much online while you’re away can expose you to unnecessary risks.
From home invasions to identity theft, certain social media posts can make you an easy target for criminals. Ski Vertigo, a tour operator, has identified the top three things you should never share online during your trip – and why waiting until you are safely home could be the smarter approach.
The first thing you need to avoid is sharing exactly where you are while you’re still there. This can be through tagged posts, live updates, locations or check ins.
Letting people know exactly where you are can be very dangerous as criminals often monitor social media, and a public post letting them know you have left your home empty is like a red rag to a bull.
It can also put your personal safety in danger. Disclosing your location while abroad could expose you to risk if opportunistic thieves nearby figure out where you are.
A Ski Vertigo spokesperson said:”Even if you believe only friends can view your updates, remember that posts can easily be reshared, or your account’s privacy settings may not be as robust as you assume.
“By broadcasting your location in real time, you are essentially informing the world that your home is unattended – and also indicating where to find you.”
It’s much smarter to wait until you get home and then post all the pictures of your trip.
The second thing to avoid is any photographs of your boarding pass or passport. It’s tempting to let people know you’re off jetsetting, but travel documents contain sensitive personal information that can be exploited by identity thieves or scammers.
Even seemingly minor details – such as a booking reference number or barcode – can be used by fraudsters to access your travel itinerary, cancel flights, or even modify your seat assignment. Once your details are in the wrong hands, the repercussions can be swift.
Ski Vertigo’s spokesperson said: “We have observed instances where travellers inadvertently disclosed enough information in a single photo for someone to interfere with their trip. A boarding pass should never be treated as a souvenir. Keep it secure and confidential.”
If you simply need to share that you’re travelling, try snapping a picture of your luggage, the airport architecture or even your in-flight meal — if it looks edible.
Another common error is showcasing luxury items during your travels. Posting photos of expensive jewellery, designer shopping bags, or high-end gadgets makes you stand out as a potential target for theft.
Criminals in tourist hotspots often use social media to identify visitors flaunting valuables. Even if you exercise caution in person, online oversharing could negate your efforts to remain safe. Thieves may not only target you abroad but also take note of your possessions back home
The spokesperson said: “Displaying expensive items online is akin to openly advertising that you are carrying something valuable
“It can attract undesirable attention both abroad and upon your return home.”
It’s always better to share pictures of landscapes, architecture, food or experiences — keep the flashy watches and cash private.