People post all kinds of things online. Sometimes, people post too much information. Not only is this information annoying to those who are forced to read it, but some post details could be dangerous. Before you post another thing online, make sure that you aren’t giving away some information that could make you a crime victim.
- Your Birthday: even if you are young and proud of it, it’s not a good idea to put the year and date of your birth on any social networking site or into any online form. Your social security number consists of the numbers that make up your birth date. Thus, all a thief has to do in order to steal your social security number is use your birth date information. Even if you don’t live in the United States, any government security or identification number probably consists of the same numbers that are part of your birth date.
- Your Home Address: you might be proud of where you live, but you shouldn’t post your full home address online. It is really for a thief to steal your identity and rob your home if you post your address online.
- Your Vacation Plans: It’s hard not to tell the whole world about your upcoming trip, but resist the urge. Letting thieves know that you are out of town is a lot like sending out a “rob me!” invitation.
- Shameful Details: no matter what you have done in the past, realize that the Internet is not a confessional. Your boss, insurance company, landlord, or tax man could be looking at your current status. If you must post this information, make sure to allow only a few prying eyes to view what you have written.
- Daredevil Stunts: don’t post any details about the latest car race you were in or how you like to jump from rooftop to rooftop. Insurers know that the Internet holds a wealth of knowledge, and information that can get you in trouble with your insurance company should be kept offline.
When it comes to posting information online, try to avoid adding a number of personal details to any website. Most people believe that everyone in a social networking group is a close friend, but this is hardly ever true. Also, keep in mind that many sites link with one another. For example, LinkedIn often showcases a user’s Facebook and Twitter status too. If you want to keep yourself, your home, and your job or insurance policy safe, pay attention to the aforementioned warnings.
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