As spring break approaches, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada has issued a warning to Canadians not to carelessly share their out-of-town travel plans on social media, lest they invite home break-ins.
The insurer shared the results of a survey it had commissioned, which found that almost one in three Canadians (31%) who are active on social media post content about their vacation plans online, whether before or during their trip. Notably, the proportion who post before or during a trip is higher among Canadians aged 18-34 years old (46%), households with children (36%), and those who plan to go on vacation for spring break (45%).
“We get it, a vacation is exciting and it’s tempting to share that excitement on social media,” said Allstate Canada agency manager Gene Myles. “Unfortunately, depending on the security settings of your social media accounts, posting details about your vacation also announces in a public forum that your home is empty and, in some cases, for how long. This can increase the risk of a break-in while you’re away.”
Myles added that Allstate Canada hopes Canadians will think twice before posting a selfie during a trip, and should instead consider posting their pictures until after they return.
“That post may be just as impactful with your network after your travels and it can help keep your property safe.”
To help Canadians understand these risks, Allstate Canada launched a new public awareness campaign called “Hold that Travel Selfie!”
Last year, Allstate Canada issued a similar advisory for Canadians planning to take their summer vacations away from home. The insurer even launched a campaign called “The Selfie Effect,” which raised awareness of the dangers of sharing travel dates and travel whereabouts on social media.
