International theft groups are increasingly targeting homes by exploiting publicly available information, including social media posts and real estate listings, according to law enforcement and security experts. Federal prosecutors have linked one South American theft group to burglaries of professional athletes' homes, including those of Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis.
Authorities arrested three Chilean men in Argentina in connection with these alleged crimes. Prosecutors stated that the group identified targets by reviewing publicly available schedules and location data, then committing burglaries while the athletes were away for games or other commitments. The investigation also connected two of the suspects to a burglary at the home of tennis player Juan Martín del Potro in Argentina.
The FBI has issued warnings that such international groups surveil homeowners to learn their routines. Travelers are advised against announcing vacations on social media, as online criminals can research addresses, family details, travel plans, and estimated property values remotely. While high-profile cases involving athletes often garner media attention, security researchers and law enforcement agencies report that similar methods are employed against everyday homeowners.
One instance involved a Los Angeles content creator whose home was burglarized while she was traveling, with tens of thousands of dollars in designer goods stolen. Her public announcement of being away provided a critical clue to potential burglars. Retirees, who may travel more frequently, are also at risk, as posts from vacation spots can signal an empty home.
Information Gathering Methods
Criminals gather intelligence through various online channels. Social media provides real-time updates on a person's whereabouts, with even family members inadvertently revealing travel plans through posts or location tags. Beyond social media, criminals utilize real estate websites like Zillow and Redfin, which can offer details on property values, past sale prices, interior layouts, and even photos from old listings. Public property records can also yield owner names, mailing addresses, and purchase histories. Data broker and people-search sites further aggregate personal details, potentially linking a traveler's absence with a valuable home to create a target list.
Protective Measures
Experts recommend several steps to make homes less vulnerable. Waiting until returning from a trip to post vacation photos is crucial, as real-time updates can confirm a home is empty. This extends to advising family and travel companions to avoid sharing locations or travel dates online. Reviewing social media privacy settings to limit visibility to known contacts and removing unknown followers can also reduce exposure. For extended trips, arranging for mail and package collection or placing a temporary hold on mail delivery is advised. Using timers for lights can create the impression of occupancy. Homeowners can also review and remove outdated interior photos from real estate listing websites. Redfin allows users to hide listing photos for off-market homes, while Zillow offers options to remove or hide photos from public view through its owner view. For other sites, contacting customer support or the original listing agent may be necessary.
Reducing exposure on data broker and people-search sites is another key step. While these services can automate removal requests across numerous brokers, they cannot erase all public records. Regular checks of online presence by searching one's name, address, and phone number are recommended to identify and remove outdated or revealing information. These measures, combined with basic home security, can make a property a harder target for criminals researching potential burglaries.