(LEX 18) — It's that time of year where people will be posting all over social media about their new gifts or maybe their holiday vacations. But digital media experts warn you to be careful about what you’re posting on the internet this holiday season.
“One thing to consider about social media, it gives people with bad intentions more doors to break into,” said UK Associate Professor of Multimedia Studies Kakie Urch.
Urch says grinches could be keeping an eye on your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts.
“One place that let's call them thieves might identify a place to get electronics, is from your joyful Christmas morning photos of new electronics,” said Urch.
Urch says try to avoid too many photos of gifts, or any posts sharing your location.
“You also want to be careful about posting about vacation plans or even trips to close towns. Because 2 hours is plenty of time to empty everything under your Christmas tree,” said Urch.
Another thing to watch out for is charity or gift exchange scams.
Research before you donate money anywhere. Also, don't buy into posts you may see on Facebook about gift exchanges where you buy one $10 or $20 item and get several gifts in return. That's a pyramid scheme or a scam, and it's illegal to send those items via USPS.
Digital media experts say also keep an eye on your bank account during the holidays. Hackers can sometimes steal information through e-mails or online purchases, then rack up charges on your accounts.
