Social media risks aren’t always as obvious as you’d think. Sure, most of us know not to post our Social Security number or home address, but there are plenty of sneaky ways we can give away too much without realizing it.
Even small details can put your identity and safety at risk if they end up in the wrong hands. To stay ahead of the game, it’s important to understand the less obvious ways your information can be misused. Here are 15 surprising things you should keep off social media to protect yourself.
Screenshots of QR Codes or Barcodes
Whether it’s a concert ticket, boarding pass, or coupon, sharing QR codes or barcodes online can lead to theft or fraud. Scammers can use these codes to access your account or steal your purchase. Always blur or crop codes before posting images.
Nicknames You Use for Passwords
Casually mentioning a childhood nickname or pet name might seem harmless, but many people use these as passwords or security answers. This gives hackers an easy way to guess your credentials. Be mindful of revealing these personal details.
Photos of Personalized License Plates
A photo of your car with its license plate visible can reveal your location and identity. Personalized plates are even more risky since they’re easier to track. Avoid showing your plate in any photos you post online.
Inside Views of Your Home
Posting interior shots of your home, especially in real estate groups or home-decor hashtags, can give thieves a blueprint of your valuables. Criminals can spot security weaknesses or identify expensive items to target.
Your Family Tree or Ancestry Results
Sharing family genealogy or DNA results can unintentionally expose personal and medical information about you and your relatives. Fraudsters and even companies might misuse this data for exploitation or scams.
Recent Purchases With Serial Numbers
Posting a new gadget or appliance with its serial number visible can void warranties or lead to theft. Scammers can use the number to impersonate you when filing warranty claims or reporting fake issues.
Military or Government Affiliation
Announcing your service branch, rank, or workplace can make you a target for phishing scams or even espionage attempts. Be cautious about displaying this information, even in closed groups.
Email Addresses
Posting your email address publicly, even for professional purposes, invites spam, phishing attempts, and hacking. Use a contact form or direct messaging instead of sharing your email outright.
Personal Hobbies That Could Be Exploited
While sharing hobbies like collecting rare coins or expensive antiques might seem innocent, it can make you a target for theft. Criminals might assume you own valuable items based on these posts.
Group Memberships
Being vocal about groups or organizations you belong to, especially niche or exclusive ones, can expose you to targeted scams. Scammers often impersonate members or organizers to trick you into revealing sensitive details.
Your High School or Graduation Year
Sharing where and when you graduated might seem nostalgic, but this is often used as a security question. Combined with other details, it can be exploited to hack into your accounts.
Candid Photos of Strangers
Posting photos of strangers in public, such as at events or restaurants, without their consent can lead to legal and privacy issues. Some individuals might react negatively, potentially putting you in harm’s way.
Tickets to Exclusive Events
Sharing tickets to events like concerts or sports games can allow fraudsters to steal your identity or sell duplicates. Even if the QR code is partially visible, scammers can often reconstruct it.
Private Conversations
Screenshots of private messages, even when names are blurred, can reveal timestamps, usernames, or subtle identifiers. This can lead to unintended consequences or privacy breaches.
Old Devices for Sale
Posting about selling your used electronics might alert scammers who can exploit leftover data on your devices. Ensure you properly wipe devices before selling, and avoid sharing details of what’s for sale online.
25 Legendary Hunting Rifles from the Last Half Century
When it comes to picking the “best” hunting rifle, it’s all about what you’re chasing, the features you prefer, and how much you’re willing to spend. Every hunter has their own go-to. But let’s face it—some rifles just stand out. Over the last 50 years, a few have become legends in their own right. I’ve rounded up a selection that spans everything from trusty deer rifles to heavy-hitting big game beasts. Do you see your favorite on the list? Or did I miss one you swear by?
Read More: 25 Legendary Hunting Rifles from the Last Half Century
21 Natural Ways to Improve Soil Quality Without Chemicals
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden and a bountiful harvest. But you don’t need to rely on synthetic fertilizers or harsh chemicals to boost your soil’s fertility. I’ve spent years experimenting with natural soil improvement techniques, and I’m here to share what works for me. These 21 methods will help you nurture rich, living soil that’ll make your plants sing. Whether you’re working with sandy loam or heavy clay, there’s a natural solution here that’ll transform your dirt into black gold. Get ready to dig in and give your soil the TLC it deserves. I practice permaculture, working with nature, without resorting to chemical solutions, and my homestead thrives. We grow a huge amount of food every year, without depleting our soil and without needing chemical intervention.
Read More: 21 Natural Ways to Improve Soil Quality Without Chemicals
39 Essentials to Stockpile Beyond the Big Three
When it comes to prepping, most folks focus on the big three: water, food, and weapons. But in my years of experience, I’ve learned that true preparedness goes way beyond these basics. There’s a whole world of items that can make or break your survival situation. I’ve put together a list of 39 often-overlooked but essential preps to get hold of after you’ve taken care of food and water to take care of your immediate survival needs, and weapons to defend your family and property and to hunt. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your stockpile before it’s too late.
Read More: Be A Preparedness Pro | 39 Essentials to Stockpile Beyond the Big Three
