Burglars Use Social Media to Plan Robberies
Social networks are an information gateway that allows people to share and connect in unprecedented ways. However, a new trend is surfacing, which could have serious implications on your or your property. Social media tools such as Foursquare and Facebook have the ability to, and often encourage their users, to provide updates on what they are doing and where they are. Researchers are finding that this is information thieves are very interested in.
A recent study conducted on ex-robbers found that nearly 80% used Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to target which properties to rob. Another 73% said they used Google Street View to scope out neighborhoods ahead of time.
Of course, this is only possible if you use social media to let others know when you are and are not home. As location-based technology continues to grow in popularity, be sure to use discretion on your posts and updates.
NBA Owner Fined for Tweet
As we reported last week, NBA players are using Twitter to garner support for the NBA lockout. However, NBA coaches and owners are not permitted to use social media to discuss the ongoing negotiations.
Monday, Micky Arison, the owner of the Miami Heat, received one of the largest fines ever issued for issuing public statements over a social network. The tweet that caused the fine was only 8-words in length and simply said, “Honestly u r barking at the wrong owner.’’
Even though the tweet was deleted one-hour after it was posted, Arison was still fined $500,000. Arison is now the third owner the NBA has fined. Wizards owner Ted Leonsis got a $100,000 fine last year for comments about possible changes to the league’s salary cap. Michael Jordan, owner of the Bobcats, also got a $100,000 fine for comments he made in August about the lockout.
This highlights one of the greatest dangers of social media, and the internet as a whole. Once information is posted to these channels, the implications are endless. So, take this as a reminder to think before you post.
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