Leave the selfies at home when going on vacation

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It’s finally March, and many Canadians are eagerly looking forward to longer days, a warmer climate, school breaks and vacation adventures.

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Nothing beats scrolling social media to see what family and friends have been up to – all those gorgeous travel photos and videos, that beautiful beach at sunset, or dancing with Disney characters. Scroll after scroll of happy times.

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But family and friends aren’t the only ones checking out your social media sites. So are criminals, and they’re taking note of when you leave home, and when you return.

You are vulnerable.

So states a new Leger survey commissioned by the Allstate Insurance Co., that revealed some disturbing facts about the social media habits of Canadian travellers and their connection to unwanted guests showing up to take advantage of an unoccupied home.

Years ago, when bans were posted in churches to announce upcoming weddings, criminals took advantage of the news that many homes would be empty during that special day – availing themselves of everything before everyone returned home from the wedding party.

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The same can be applied today, only it involves the role of social media announcing to the criminal element when it’s safe to enter an empty home because, by golly – everyone’s away having fun!

A picture may be worth a thousand words but should it come at the cost of one’s personal sanctuary? The FBI reports a home is burglarized every 15 seconds in the U.S. alone. Statistics Canada has reported that break and enters decreased during the pandemic, but are starting to climb, with word numbers go up during warmer weather.

“We get it, a vacation is exciting and it’s tempting to share that excitement on social media,” says Gene Myles, agency manager at Allstate Canada in a recent release. “Unfortunately, depending on the security settings of your social media accounts, posting details about your vacation also announces in a public forum that your home is empty and, in some cases, for how long.”

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This can increase the risk of a break-in while you’re away, adds Myles, announcing the company’s Hold That Travel Selfie! public awareness campaign to inform Canadians about the risks associated with posting travel adventures on social media.

“We’re asking Canadians to think twice before posting a picture of their plane ticket, or that quintessential beach selfie, until after they return home.”

It sounds reasonable enough – holding the selfies until you return. Unfortunately, the survey revealed that 45% of the respondents said they would certainly share a post or posts of their holiday vacations before or during the trip – you might as well leave the key out for the criminals.

The new survey also revealed the proportion who post before or during a trip is higher among Canadians aged 18-34 years, households with children (36%) and those who plan on going away on vacation for spring break (45%).

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Online Safety Advice from for Canadian Travellers

– Don’t mention how long you’ll be gone. This can also apply to your voicemail and email.

– Hold off on posting that selfie until you return from vacation. This includes sharing details on social media platforms before and during your trip.

– Check the privacy and security settings of your social media accounts, and review who has access to your personal information.

– Have a conversation with the minors that you’re travelling with. Make sure they understand how to use their own social media accounts safely while the whole family is travelling.

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– Make sure your electronics are protected with antivirus protection and consider using a VPN. Using public Wi-Fi increases the risks of your online activity being monitored and tracked.

– blog.allstate.ca/safe-social-media-travel

Be Prepared

Vacation planning should start with preparing your dwelling before leaving. According to the Government of Canada, assessing your home’s security is an important first step in crime prevention.

The following tips are courtesy of the Government of Canada, Public Safety Canada and the RCMP:

– Before you leave, check every door and window to make sure that everything is locked and sealed.

– Nothing beats a smart video doorbell camera that can instantly connect a homeowner to his home anywhere in the world.

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– Set timers on lights outside of your house. The darker it is outside your house, the more appealing it’s going to be.

– Make sure mail is picked up or put on hold.

– Leave some blinds or drapes open. If your house is completely closed off, it’s going to look empty.

– Arrange to have a trusted family member, neighbour or friend to check on your home.

– If you have any cash, jewellery, or any other valuables in your home, place in a safety deposit box.

– Make sure that your home security system is on. Don’t forget to tell your friend or family member the code so that they do not set off the alarm when they check on your home.