Think Twice About Posting Your Grad Pic on Social Media

Posting a photo of your senior photo along with the year, mascot and school could give scammers enough info to hack into your sensitive information.

What seemed like a sweet way to show support for the 2020 seniors is now a potential risk to your security.

The Better Business Bureau is recommending not posting a photo, or if you do, don't include the year, maiden names, mascots and name and graduating year of your high school. All of these are potential cues to online passwords and that makes it easier for hackers.

According to the BBB,

"All it takes is an internet search to reveal more information about you, such as family members, your real name, birthdate or even where you live."

Better Business Bureau (BBB) cautions everyone to be aware of what they are sharing. Even if you think it’s just going to your friends, it could also be going somewhere else.

BBB has the following tips to keep you safe on social media:

Resist the temptation to play along. While it’s fun to see other’s posts, if you are uncomfortable participating, it is best to not do it.

Review your security settings. Check your security settings on all social media platforms to see what you are sharing and with whom you are sharing.

Change security questions/settings. If you are nervous about something you shared possibly opening you up to fraud, review and change your security settings for banking and other websites.

For more information about privacy concerns online, see BBB's scam alert on Facebook quizzes.

For tips for staying safe online, read BBB's tips on staying cybersecure.  Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.