Beware hidden dangers of the holiday selfie
AUSTRALIANS are being warned to think twice before sharing Easter holiday snapshots online this weekend with technology experts advising just one Facebook post could leave you vulnerable to a break-in or online scam.
The warning comes as property crime rises in Australia, as the latest Australian Bu- reau of Statistics figures shows increases in theft in most states, affecting more than 27,400 Australians.
Ring communications director Yassi Shahmiri said traditional holiday periods were a dangerous time for social media use and holiday-makers should avoid “broadcasting to digital-savvy thieves”.
She said Ring, which released an internet-connected doorbell with video camera, re- corded spikes in “attempted break-ins” around Christmas in Australia and expected similar problems at Easter.
“Holiday breaks, like this Easter, are the prime times for thieves to find their next house target on social media,” she said.
“Many parents might be unaware that their children are posting holiday photos with geotags in real-time so thieves know exactly when to strike.”
Online scammers also used holiday plan information posted online, according to McAfee solutions architect Andy Hurren, as criminals targeted the travellers’ friends and family members.
“There have been examples of scammers sending phishing emails pretending to be loved ones stuck in remote locations asking for wire transfers to help get them home,” Mr Hurren said.