How Your Social Media Profile Can Put You At Risk
As the holidays come to a close and the year wraps up, many of us are looking back on milestones and memories. Maybe you posted a photo of your new puppy, shared a “year in review” of family vacations, or celebrated personal achievements online. Those posts might seem harmless, but scammers are paying attention. The details you share publicly - your pet’s name, your hometown, even your birthday - can be used to access accounts, reset passwords, or steal your identity.
Scammers can use the clues from your posts to answer security questions for your bank account or email. They could pose as someone you trust and convince you to share sensitive information. Being aware of what you share can help protect your financial identity and set you up for a safer start to the new year.
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Common Ways Scammers Use Social Media
- Answering Security Questions: Many accounts still use “secret questions” for password recovery. Scammers can find answers in your posts - your pet’s name, your favorite teacher, your hometown - and gain access to your accounts.
- Impersonation and Social Engineering: Scammers can craft emails or calls using personal details from your profile. They might pretend to be your bank, credit union, or even a government agency. The information you share makes their story convincing and dangerous.
- Quizzes and Games: Holiday quizzes or personality tests can collect details that match your security questions. What seems like fun could put your accounts at risk.
- Oversharing Photos or Updates: Photos of gifts, vacation trips, or big purchases can clue scammers into your routines, spending habits, or even when your home might be empty.
How to Protect Yourself
- Check Your Privacy Settings: Limit who can see your posts. Make sure personal details are only visible to friends and family.
- Think Before You Share: Avoid posting information used in security questions, like birthdays, pet names, or maiden names.
- Be Wary of Quizzes: Skip online quizzes that ask personal questions or collect background information.
- Verify Before You Trust: If someone contacts you using your social media details, pause. Confirm their identity independently before sharing sensitive information.
- Audit Your Accounts: Review passwords, update security questions and set alerts on financial accounts. A few minutes of preparation now can protect your money, your identity and your peace of mind for the year ahead.
Your social media posts are a reflection of your life and achievements. By taking a few precautions, you can celebrate your milestones, connect with friends and family and protect your identity and finances as you step into the new year.
If you think you may have inadvertently shared your personal information with a scammer, please reach out to us right away. You can call us at (805) 733-7600, visit your nearest branch, send a secure message through mobile or online banking, or use the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.