Credit Cards and Social Media

You might not think that the two things have anything in common. However, if you aren’t careful about what you post on social media, you could accidentally disclose information that could be harmful to you.

Here are six tips to make sure you keep your credit card numbers to yourself.

1. Celebrate big moments without oversharing

People are most likely to accidentally post a credit card number or other sensitive financial information when they are sharing a milestone moment, such as a first credit card, a new driver’s license or final tuition payment, and not think about the ramifications of the post.

2. Review the background of photos carefully

You might be capturing a celebratory moment at the end of a meal, but the check with your credit card could be in the background. With the high-resolution cameras built into many phones, it could be easy for a thief to zoom in and grab the numbers.

Look around and make sure no paperwork is on a desk and no credit cards on a table. Don’t have a window open on a computer where you might submit that information.

3. Safeguard your personal details

Sharing seemingly innocuous images, such as a picture with your street number in the background or a driver’s license with a home address and other details listed, can also make it easier for someone to hack into your credit card (or other financial) account. The answers to security questions, such as your mother’s maiden name, maybe easy to figure out through Facebook.

4. If you share card info, contact your issuer

If you think you’ve done something stupid, go ahead and cancel the card. Still, even with the fraud protection, replacing a card can be a hassle. If you do it enough, the card companies will say, ‘We might not give you another card.’”

5. Check your privacy settings

If you’re posting on Facebook, as opposed to other social media, you may be more likely to share personal photos that thieves could use to glean information, from the name of your high school to your wedding anniversary, in an attempt to access financial accounts.

Carolyn Secor P.A. focuses its practice in the areas of Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Defense in Clearwater, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.BankruptcyforTampa.com or call 727-254-1704.