Burglary crews are increasingly using publicly available online information, including social media posts, real estate listings, and data broker websites, to identify potential targets and plan home break-ins, according to law enforcement and security experts. This trend has been highlighted by recent arrests in Argentina of individuals linked to a theft ring accused of burglarizing the homes of professional athletes, including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Federal prosecutors stated that the group identified targets by monitoring publicly available schedules and location information, striking when athletes were away for games. The FBI has also issued warnings about international theft groups that surveil homeowners to learn their routines and advise travelers to avoid posting vacation plans on social media.
Criminals can research addresses, family details, travel plans, and property values without physically surveilling a location. They piece together these digital clues to create a target list. While high-profile cases involving athletes and celebrities often make headlines, security researchers note that the same methods are used 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 posts indicating she was away provided a critical clue to potential thieves.
Retirees may face increased risk as frequent travel becomes more common. Trips for vacations, extended stays in warmer climates, or visits to family can create opportunities for homes to be left empty. Information shared online, even unintentionally by family members, can alert criminals.
Investigators have found evidence of suspects using real estate websites like Zillow and Redfin to gather information. These sites can provide estimated property values, past sale prices, and even interior photos, offering potential burglars a view of a home's layout, doors, and windows before approaching. Public property records may also reveal owner names, mailing addresses, and purchase history. Data broker and people-search sites can further link this information with phone numbers, relatives, and previous addresses, creating a comprehensive profile of potential targets.
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend several preventative measures:
- Delay social media posts: Avoid sharing vacation photos or travel details in real-time. Wait until returning home to post pictures from airports, hotels, or destinations.
- Coordinate with family: Ensure family members and travel companions refrain from tagging locations or sharing travel dates online.
- Review privacy settings: Limit social media posts to known contacts, remove unrecognized followers, and check old public posts for any revealing information about routines or addresses.
- Arrange for mail and package collection: Ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail and deliveries, or place a temporary hold on mail for extended trips.
- Use light timers: Employ timers or smart plugs to automate lights, making it appear as though the home is occupied.
- Review old real estate listing photos: Search for your address on real estate websites and utilize options to hide or remove outdated interior photos if available.
- Reduce data broker exposure: Regularly search for your information on people-search sites and submit removal requests. Data removal services can automate this process across multiple platforms.
- Conduct regular online checks: Periodically search your name, address, and phone number online to identify and address any new or outdated personal information.