As the summer comes to an end and children prepare to head back to school, parents are reminded to be cautious when sharing those beloved back-to-school photos on social media. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about the potential dangers these innocent images can pose to children. With scammers and predators becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is important for parents and children to remain vigilant.
According to Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of BBB, every student is at risk, from preschoolers to graduate students. The threats include identity theft, financial loss, and even safety concerns. This is why it is crucial for parents to be mindful of what they share online and for children to be aware of the potential risks.
The trend of sharing back-to-school photos on social media has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, what many may not realize is how much information these photos give away. In some cases, children hold signs with their full name, age, height, and other personal details. This information can be used by scammers or predators to commit identity theft or earn a child’s trust.
The BBB advises parents to avoid sharing personal details about their child, such as their full name, age, or school. Even sharing the name of a child’s school, teacher, or grade level can make their information vulnerable. This information can also be used in grandparent scams, where scammers pretend to be a grandchild in need of financial assistance. Additionally, these details are often used as security questions and passwords, making it easier for scammers to access personal information.
When taking back-to-school photos, it is important to choose generic backgrounds. Be mindful of any house numbers or school names that may be visible in the background. This information can also be used to piece together personal details about a child.
For parents and children who use social media and smartphones, the BBB recommends being cautious of phony “friend requests.” Remind children not to accept friend requests from strangers and to think twice before accepting a request from someone they are already connected with. It is also important to regularly review privacy settings and remove any personal information, such as phone numbers or addresses, from social media accounts.
Technology can also be used to enhance safety. Parents can consider using gadgets and apps that allow them to monitor their child’s location and online activity. Some products even allow parents to see their child’s emails or set screen time limits. Smartwatches with emergency buttons can also be useful in case of an emergency.
It is not just young children who are at risk. College and graduate students can also be targeted by scammers and predators. They may receive fake texts, emails, or calls claiming to be from their school’s Dean or Treasurer’s office, seeking payment. This is a trick used to obtain personal information or download malware onto their device. It is important to always confirm these messages directly with the office or person sending them.
Students may also be offered their first credit card, but it could be a fake designed to steal their identity. It is important to only deal with secure websites, which will begin with “HTTPS” and have a lock symbol on the address bar. Students should also guard their passwords and avoid using the same password for all sites.
In addition to being cautious online, the BBB also advises students to store important documents, such as Social Security cards, passports, and bank and credit card statements, in a safe place. Credit card offers and paper documents with sensitive financial information should be shredded rather than just thrown away, especially in a dorm setting.
It is also important to only deal with secure websites when making online purchases. These sites will begin with “HTTPS” and have a lock symbol on the address bar. Students should also use strong passwords and avoid using the same password for all sites.
As the new school year approaches, it is important for parents and children to be aware of the potential dangers that come with sharing back-to-school photos on social media. By following these tips from the BBB, parents can help protect their children from identity theft, financial loss, and other safety concerns. Let’s make this back-to-school season a safe and positive experience for all students.
