Vacation Mode: On. Security Mode: Activated.

As summer heats up, it’s time to plan your well-deserved getaway. Whether you're taking a weekend trip to the beach or a cross-country adventure, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of your vacation. However, before you pack your bags and lock the door, it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure both your home and digital life are safe while you're away.

Cybercriminals understand vacation season means a rise in travel and with it, an increase in vulnerabilities. From public Wi-Fi networks to the oversharing of personal details, criminals will use any opportunity to target you. But don’t worry; with just a little effort, you can protect both your home and your personal data.

Use Public Wi-Fi Wisely

When you're out and about, connecting to public Wi-Fi may be tempting—whether it's at a café, hotel, or airport. But these networks are often not secure, making it easy for hackers to access your personal data.

The best way to stay safe? Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, adding an extra layer of protection between you and cybercriminals. Think of it as a secure tunnel that keeps your data safe, even on unsecured networks. 

Think Twice Before You Post

Before you post that vacation selfie with a view of the beach, think about this: criminals often keep a close eye on social media for signs that a home is empty. Posting about your travel dates and whereabouts can give burglars a perfect window of opportunity to target your property.

While it's tempting to document every moment, you can still share the fun without revealing too much. Instead of posting in real-time, consider waiting until you are back home to share your vacation highlights. This way, your online presence doesn’t become an invitation for trouble.

And if you must post about your trip while you’re away, be sure to adjust your privacy settings in your social media apps to limit who can see your updates.

Turn Off Location Services

While location tracking can be handy, it's not always the best choice when you're traveling. Location services allow apps and websites to track your movements, which may expose you to security risks—especially when paired with social media oversharing.

When you're on vacation, turn off location services on your phone and apps unless necessary. This keeps your whereabouts private and reduces the chance of anyone tracking your movements.

Don’t Let Your Empty Home Become a Target

It’s not just digital criminals who see opportunity when you’re away, empty homes can also attract the wrong kind of attention. In some cases, scammers have attempted to fraudulently sell or rent out vacant homes by forging documents or manipulating public records. It sounds far-fetched, but it does happen, and recovering your property or title rights can be a long, difficult process.

Before heading out on a longer trip, consider these simple safeguards:

• Let trusted neighbors know you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on things.

• Put lights on timers and suspend mail delivery to avoid signaling your absence.

• If your home is on the market, make sure your real estate agent is regularly checking in.

• Make sure your property ownership is protected with a title insurance owner’s policy.

Protect yourself from real estate fraud before it happens. Check out the First on Fraud™ podcast  for expert advice and practical tips.