As your insurance agency learns more and more about social media and how it will benefit your insurance marketing strategies, you must also understand what safety precautions to take online. You deal with protecting the public on a daily basis, so shouldn’t you be aware of the risks your face as well? Although the internet has revolutionized the way we interact and conduct research, it can also be a dangerous outlet if not used properly. This is why during the holiday season, rather than stressing, spread some cheer by following these tips!

According to the Albert Lea Tribune, it is important for consumers and businesses alike to pay attention to the information they are allowing others to access on their social media pages. Fraud and identity theft are a concern year-round, but this is the time of year where people are a little bit more careless.

Albert Lea Police Department detective Ben Mortensen said on average, he hears from one to two people a week about a problem with forgery, fraud, or identity theft. “In 47% of the cases, you know who stole your identity. They’re someone in your circle of friends, family, or that you met some place,” Mortensen said.

The biggest concern Mortensen has is related to social media. He believes this outlet has become a way for thieves to get everything they need to know, because people are putting information on websites that they shouldn’t be. He also pointed out that on Twitter or Facebook, members use their status or the check-in applications to say where they’re going or what they’re doing. This is a costly mistake since this is basically an advertisement to thieves that their homes are empty.

“Social media is not a bad thing. It’s just like everything else. You have to use it responsibly,” said Mortensen. Some other tips you can follow include:

• Hang up on unsolicited phone callers
• Shred unsolicited mail
• Lock your wireless router with a password
• Erase unsolicited emails without opening it first
• Never send private information in reply to an email
• Be careful of what Internet sites you are searching

You customers depend on you for security. Therefore, you must practice what you preach and make sure you are taking all the precautions necessary when on the internet. As you spread peace of mind this holiday season, remember to keep your insurance agency safe from dangers as well!