How to stay safe while posting on social media this holiday season

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Whether you’re opening presents or taking a trip this holiday, it’s important to not give criminals too much access to your belongings.

With the holiday season in full swing, it is vital to be aware of what you post on social media.

“The one thing that people really need to bear in mind is when in doubt, leave it out. Sometimes it feels like something didn’t happen if we don’t represent it on our social media… but in fact, letting too much information about your life, your presents, your children, anything about your family… all of these things are opening the door a little wider to somebody who wants to take advantage,” Kakie Urch, associate professor at the University of Kentucky School of Journalism, says.

No matter how cool your Christmas presents may be this year, don’t post them online.

“If you’ve got an amazing computer, a fantastic new car, a riding mower, something that could easily be walked off with, or if someone has surprised you with a cruise or a trip tomorrow to Tahiti… these things are not things you should probably post about until after they’re secured and the holidays are over,” Urch says.

Posting these gifts or your location could lead to property being stolen, so make sure any packages you may receive are also taken care of.

“If you’re going to be gone… not to post on Facebook that you’re going to be gone a certain day or a certain time… or if you are getting items through UPS or FedEx or the Postal Service… that you have an availability for someone to pick them up or in a safe location they could be delivered to,” major Terry Flatt with the Glasgow Police Department says.

One way to make sure your packages are safe and secure is to have a nearby family member pick them up when they have arrived.