Robbing via social networking

GuyClapperton 0 362 Views

I know this isn't really funny but someone has set up a website called pleaserobme. And I'm delighted.

Why am I delighted? Because it's there to tell people what I've been telling people for ages, including through my social media book. Specifically, could everyone STOP ANNOUNCING THEIR HOLIDAYS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA?

I've just been away to Glasgow for a few days. I wanted to find a restaurant that served something good for my family (for what it's worth Fratelli Sarti had just about the best welcome and Italian food I've had outside Italy) so asked on Twitter. But I lied a bit - I said I was going to Glasgow shortly, didn't mention I was there at the time.

And why not? Because I didn't want everyone to know I was away and the house was empty, is why not. I've heard of only one documented case in which someone said they were away on a social network and was robbed instantly but I'll bet there are many.

So watch yourselves. We've all heard legends about how professional sportspeople get robbed because people know when they're out at a game. Some might even be true. It's important to bear in mind that in the modern age we can all inflict this vulnerability on ourselves.

Dani AI

Generated

called out the core problem: publicly visible location feeds let anyone infer when a home is likely empty. The PleaseRobMe demonstration is an extreme but useful proof‑of‑concept — it aggregated public check‑ins to show how simple it is to spot “empty homes.” (csmonitor.com)

Beyond obvious check‑ins, two technical hazards often get missed. Smartphone photos can embed EXIF/GPS coordinates and time stamps; sharing images without removing that metadata can leak precise locations. Modern phones and photo apps let you view/remove location data and stop the Camera app from writing GPS into images — use those controls before you post. (support.apple.com) Tools such as ExifTool or on‑device metadata removers make it trivial to strip hidden tags from batches of pictures before sharing. (exiftool.org)

Practical, low‑effort hygiene that fixes most of the risk:

  • Turn off “save location”/geotagging for the camera and for any social apps that don’t need it. (support.apple.com)
  • Make check‑ins private (friends only) or avoid auto‑posting them to wide audiences; delay public holiday posts until you’re back. (staysafeonline.org)
  • Audit third‑party apps and revoke access you no longer use; enable two‑factor auth and tighten audience settings. (staysafeonline.org)

A note on testing and awareness: ’s point about location services is spot on — these features amplify reach — and ’s impulse to “test” is useful only if done on accounts and content you control (and with privacy set to the narrowest audience). If nothing else, treat public social posts like leaving a note on the front door: would you want a stranger to use that information?

Member Avatar for chrisnorton2
chrisnorton2 0 Newbie Poster

Guy, I couldn't agree more. I tweeted a while back about how Foursquare was a burglar's dream. I don't mind as my wife works from home so our house is secure but it is a little worrying. Pleaserobme.com is a good idea but beautifully executed. 5% idea - 95% execution - although the search facility seems a little buggy.

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jay 11 8 The Dude Abides

HaHa! I want to test it.. (not burglarize someone but see if my update will appear)

Member Avatar for jay 11
jay 11 8 The Dude Abides

Interesting.. Foursquare Responds to "Please Rob Me"

http://foursquare.tumblr.com/post/397625136/on-foursquare-location-privacy

They bring up some valid points but no matter how you slice it.. there are many who still broadcast this information to massive audiences.

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