Social Media Posts that get you into trouble...

From using social media to connect with friends to connecting with clients, it has become an integral part of our society.  But some people seem to suspend common sense when it comes to what they share on social media.  Here are some stories of individuals that learned the hard way what NOT to post on social sites.

The 5 Dumbest Social Media Posts:

1. Pictures of your Credit / Debit Card.  Believe it or not, people post their debit / credit card image on places like Twitter. "I'm so excited I found my missing credit card, here it is: [pic.of.creditcard]" There is even a Twitter account that retweets these posts, called @NeedADebitCard.  Their bio gives simple advice: "Please quit posting pictures of your debit cards, people." The lesson learned? Twitter posts are public, and now so is your credit card. 
2. Vacation Plans.  It is great that you are excited about your 3 week vacation to Europe, and you should thank your mother for keeping your two Dobermans for you while you're out of the country.  But Facebook is probably not the best place to post your exciting news and thank mom. This is merely an advertisement to potential thieves that your house is a ripe plum, ready to be plucked of any valuables (like that new 3D TV you posted on your profile last month). People have been robbed because of their Facebook status, don't be one of them. 
3. Your address, phone number, birthdate, maiden name"¦  Why not just put the last four digits of your social security number, in case that identity theft happens to need that information, too? Social media fuels identity theft, so be smart and protect yourself by being just a little discreet. Refrain from posting the year of your birthday, and make sure the security questions and answers from your accounts aren't available.
4. Posts of your own illegal (or highly suspect) activities. Yes, you looked really great smoking it down behind the dumpster at your sister's wedding.  And it is HILARIOUS that you stole your boss' Tiki Man Paperweight"¦ but if you want to keep your job, and your criminal-free record, you should probably refrain from posting those activities. Police, and concerned citizens, are very active on social sites.
5. Naked images of ANYONE. Sure, that little boating snafu that removed your swimsuit was pretty funny. But your boss does not want to see the butterfly tattoo on your booty (and if he / she does, you've got bigger problems). And there is the more serious issue of child pornography for posting naked images of children, even if they are your own. Avoid these issues completely by avoiding posting naked images.