BBB Warns Vacation Posts Can Attract Scammers And Thieves

RALEIGH, N.C. — If you’re heading out on a summer vacation, the Better Business Bureau is urging travelers to think twice before sharing their adventures on social media.

While posting beach photos and travel updates may seem harmless, the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas says those posts can unintentionally alert thieves that your home is vacant or provide scammers with information they can use to target you.

“It can be tempting to make a fun or aesthetic post on social media while on vacation, but social media can be a valuable tool for scammers trying to find a way to target you,” said Mallory Wojciechowski, president and CEO of BBB serving Eastern Carolinas. “Only share vacation information with those you trust, instead of posting it online or sharing privately after you’ve returned home.”

The BBB says vacation photos, location check-ins and travel itineraries can provide criminals with valuable information. In some cases, scammers may even use details from a trip to impersonate a hotel, restaurant or other business in an attempt to steal personal or financial information.

To help travelers protect themselves, the BBB recommends:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi when logging into financial accounts or making purchases. Use a secure network or your phone’s cellular hotspot instead.
• Review your social media privacy settings to make sure only trusted friends and family can see your posts.
• Turn off location sharing and GPS tagging so your current location isn’t broadcast online.
• Wait until you return home before posting vacation photos or updates.
• Skip public check-ins and detailed travel itineraries that reveal when you’re away from home or where you’re staying.

The BBB says delaying social media posts until after returning home is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of becoming a target for burglars or scammers.

Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, making it a prime opportunity for criminals looking to exploit unsuspecting vacationers. Taking a few simple precautions before posting online can help ensure your vacation memories remain positive.