Why You Should Never Reveal Too Much on Social Media

Social media has become a staple in most people's lives. It's a way to connect, share your life and experiences, and find out more about someone. There are both pros and cons of using social media, but many people overshare and offer up parts of their lives better left private. 

Job Seekers Beware: Potential Employers are Checking Your Social Media

Statistics show that more than 70% of employers check a person's social media feeds before considering them a viable candidate. If you post a lot of material that may be considered offensive or does not match the organization's values and culture, you could be passed up based on your social media profile. Post content with the expectations that someone is always watching.

Sticky Legal Situations - Don't Post on Social Media

At least once in your lifetime, you may be involved in a legal battle. Whether it's fighting a traffic ticket, a messy divorce, or even a small claims case, you should never, ever share details on social media. Lawyers all over the internet warn clients that even if you are innocent or not at fault, posting defamatory statements or anything at all about the case could hurt your chances of winning. 

There are numerous examples of courts acquiring someone's social media feed, and it becomes evidence used against them. When in doubt, say nothing at all. Stay clear of mentioning anything negative about someone with whom you are involved in a legal battle, either personal or business related.

Social Media is an Identity Thief's Personal Playground

It's no secret that identity theft is a major problem nowadays and that identity thieves use social media profiles to gather as much information about you as they can. They then match that information with stolen credit cards, login credentials, and other details found on the dark web acquired through data breaches. 

To protect yourself against identity theft, never post personal details online and sign up for identity monitoring and credit monitoring to keep an eye on things.

Bad Guys Troll the Sites Looking for You

Although it's great fun to post pictures while you are away on vacation, it also tells the bad guys that you are not home, and your happy home is just sitting there ripe for robbery. Be careful not to post locations when you post pictures and videos. You don't want everyone knowing where you are at all times. Keep in mind not only your friends are watching you but perhaps strangers or someone pretending to be your friend who is actually a nefarious criminal just waiting to take advantage of you.

Things You Should NEVER Share on Social Media

Sometimes it isn't easy to know what is okay to post and what is too much. Follow this list of things you should never post on post social media to keep your identity intact and your personal life private.

• Your address and phone number.
• Payment details (bank accounts, credit cards, etc.)
• Your income or personal net worth. This could make you a magnet for criminals looking to make a quick buck.
• Login usernames and passwords.
• Pictures of valuables.
• Be sure to check images before posting. If your home address or ID number is in the picture, thieves can use this information.
• Inappropriate or offensive content. 
• Vacation photos or frequent updates that show you are not home.
• Anything illegal.
• Explicit or adult content. Minors use social media, too; always be mindful of what you post. 
• Content or opinions related to legal matters.
• Anything negative about your employer, boss, job, etc.
• Anger and hate content. 
• Relationship venting. You never know how things might change in the future, so it's not a good idea to rant about a fight with your partner online. It also makes you look bad, and you never know who is perusing your profile.
• Threats. Never make threats or use social media to bully anyone; it's against the law.

Quite a few people fall back on the First Amendment, claiming freedom of speech for things they say on social media. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way in real life. Many a journalist has been fired for posting their own personal opinions on social media. Always use common sense and think twice before hitting that send button.

How to Lookup Someone's Social Media Accounts

Did you know that using the Infotracer tool, you can do a deep dive into someone's life, including seeing all their social media channels, alternate email addresses, and even other accounts they have that you didn't know about? 

Along with social media information, you can see legal issues, court records, previous addresses, marriages and divorces, bankruptcies, relatives, email accounts, public records, vehicle and property details, criminal records, and more. You'll never have any doubt about who you are dealing with after doing a complete background search on Infotracer.