“Posting vacation plans on social media is like inviting thieves to your home.” This is why we recommend not posting your vacation plans or pictures until after you return home. Posting information about your travel plans can increase the risk of burglaries or break-ins as criminals are now targeting social media to find victims, even if your account is private.

Part of the problem with posting during your vacation is “geotagging.” When you post a status on Facebook or Twitter, your location may automatically show up wherever you are in the world, depending on your settings. Fortunately there is a way to fix this on your social media accounts.

On Twitter:

1- Login

2- Click “Settings” under your picture on the top right hand corner

3-On the left hand side click, “Security and privacy”

4- Uncheck, “Add a location to my tweets”

On Facebook:

1- After you have signed in and go to post a status, you may see your location pop up in the lower left corner in a light grey box (not pictured).  If so, click the small “x” next to it to remove the location.

2- Also, avoid “adding a location to your post” which is an option you can click on the status box (image below).

To help increase security, let a neighbor you trust, nearby family member or friend know of your travel plans and they can check in on your house while you’re away. These additional steps will help keep your home safe while you are on vacation. Then when you return home, post those great pictures!