It All Starts Innocently…
You’re on Facebook or Insta. You post a picture of your new house keys.
You tweet about the amazing deal you got on your car insurance.
You check in at Gatwick Airport for your two-week holiday.
You tag your partner in a post about your anniversary.
What do all of these have in common?
They’re gold mines for cybercriminals.
We live in a world that encourages us to share everything — what we eat, where we go, who we’re with. But what feels harmless can turn into the digital equivalent of leaving your front door wide open.
The Psychology of Sharing
We share online because:
• It gives us connection
• It feels good to be seen
• We want to document memories
• We’re encouraged by algorithms and validation (likes, comments, shares)
But oversharing can come at a cost — especially when:
• You don’t know who’s watching
• Your profiles are public
• You’ve got old friends (or fake ones) hanging around
How Hackers Use What You Share
Cybercriminals are professional stalkers. Here’s how they use your oversharing:
1. To guess passwords and security answers
• Pet names, kids’ birthdays, anniversaries, hometowns… we post it all.
• They try common combos like “Toby1984” or “Cheltenham!23”.
2. To craft personalised phishing attacks
• They reference where you’ve just been, what you’ve bought, or your hobbies to seem legit.
3. To plan real-world crime
• Posting you’re on holiday? That’s a burglar’s invitation.
• Sharing your new gadgets? That’s a “rob me” sign.
4. To scam your friends or family
• A cloned version of your profile can message your friends asking for help or money.
Real Examples That’ll Make You Gasp
• The Airport Check-in Fail:
A family shared holiday pics from Tenerife. Two days later, their house was burgled. The thieves had seen the check-in and knew no one was home.
• The Birthday Password Giveaway:
A guy posted “Happy 40th to my baby girl Chloe” on Facebook. His password? Chloe1983. His account got hacked and used to spam phishing links to all his contacts.
• The Clone and Scam Trick:
A woman’s profile was cloned using her public photos and posts. Her friends received messages asking for help with a fake emergency. One sent £500.
The Overshare Checklist
Before you post, ask yourself:
• Would I say this out loud in a crowded pub full of strangers?
• Is there anything in this post that gives away:
• My location?
• My routines?
• My passwords or personal data?
• Am I giving someone enough to guess security questions?
• Could this be used to impersonate me?
If the answer is even maybe, think twice.
Tips to Stay Safe
• Lock down your privacy settings – especially who can see your posts and stories
• Don’t post travel plans in real-time – share your holiday when you’re back
• Avoid posting identifying info like full names, schools, or license plates
• Keep your friends list tight – remove strangers and inactive accounts
• Reverse image search your own photos to see if your content is being misused
• Use different passwords than anything you’ve ever posted about
Final Thought
The internet never forgets. Once it’s out there, it’s out there.
Your posts might feel fleeting, but to a scammer, they’re blueprints.
So next time you’re tempted to post that flashy “New House Keys!” selfie — maybe just… don’t.
Be social, but be smart.
Click “Complete” before moving on.