5 Personal Details You Should Never Post on Social Media

Using social media platforms like Facebook can be a great way to connect with people and let them know what you’re up to. However, sharing too much information on these sites can compromise your privacy and lead to identity theft. It is even unsafe to share this personal information in messaging services such as Facebook Messenger. If you have written something you don’t want prying eyes to see, click here to use Facebook messenger cleaner to delete images, videos or files:

Read More: Do Social Networks Respect Your Privacy?

1. Your Location
Did you know that social networking sites use a process called geolocation to track where you are whenever you create a post or a tweet? This enables people to pinpoint your location, meaning anyone can stalk you or even gather personal information that could put you at risk. Turn off location services to avoid being tracked

2. Birth Year and City
Sharing your birthday on social media is a convenient way to remind your friends when your special day is (and rake in the birthday wishes), but stick to the day and month only. If you give out the year and city you were born in, hackers can use the information to predict the numbers in your social security number and take over your financial life.

3. Pictures of Credit Cards and Paychecks
This one should be a no-brainer: steer clear of sharing any financial information on social sites. Anyone who has your credit card number and expiration date can use your card to order things online. Even sharing a bank balance or a paycheck can open you up to identity theft.

4. Your Address and Phone Number
Not only does sharing your home address provide identity thieves with an important puzzle piece, but it allows burglars to locate your home. This is especially bad if you share that you’re on vacation, as this is practically inviting burglars into your home. Also, avoid sharing your phone number — anyone who has it can use reverse lookup services to find your address.

5. Pictures of Your Driver’s License
You may be dying to show your friends the hilarious photo on your driver’s license, but consider this: identity thieves who obtain a picture of your license will automatically have all the information they need. What’s more, you will be revealing your home address to everyone.