Information Technology Services

Private Information Shared In Photos

Most people don’t realize all they share when sending a picture in a text. Nearly every social media site strips out the metadata that reveals a photo’s little details, like when, where and how it was taken. But that information is not protected if you text a photo. Here's how to prevent that.

To stop location sharing on iPhone:

• Open the image you want to send and tap the share button.
• Select Options and toggle off Location. Tap Done.

To disable location tracking in your camera altogether:

• Open Settings. Tap Privacy & Security > Location Services.
• Scroll down, tap on Camera, then select Never.

On Android, here’s how to wipe the location data for a single photo:

• Open your gallery and select the photo.
• Go to Details (it may be a three-dot menu) and click Remove location data.

Disable Bluetooth when you don’t need it

Bluetooth works similarly to Wi-Fi and cellular networks but performs simpler tasks at shorter ranges. You don’t need a cellular signal or network connection to use Bluetooth, and it doesn’t use data. And like any other connection, it’s not 100% safe.

Hackers and scammers must be close to you to use Bluetooth to hijack your phone. But in just about any public space, you’re at arm’s length from strangers.

So what can you do?

Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Keeping it active all the time makes your device more discoverable. As a bonus, keeping Bluetooth off will increase your device’s battery life.

• On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and switch it off. You can also swipe down from the top right of your screen to open the Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon.
• On Android phones, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth and switch it off. (Note: Steps vary based on your phone’s model. Look or search for Bluetooth if these steps don’t match your phone.)

Airplane mode also disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, among other things, so it works in a pinch, BUT... you won’t receive calls or texts.

Use A Security Pen When Writing Checks

In case you didn't know, check fraud is increasing, even though fewer checks are being written today. Criminals will go to mailboxes and target envelopes that look like checks being mailed or bill payments.

Check washing is the most common type of check fraud. This is where a crook steals a check from the mail and alters the payee’s name so they can cash it. They often change the amount of money as well.

If you need to write a check, use a security pen, also known as a check-washing pen. Uni-ball 207 Series pens (4 for around $10 on Amazon) use specially formulated ink that gets trapped into the paper, making it difficult for criminals to wash or erase the ink on a check.

To be extra safe, skip the mailbox and take your checks directly to your local post office.

Don’t forget crooks like to go offline, too

Thieves still use old-school tactics they think we've all forgot about.

• Out in public, keep your purse and wallet close. Only bring the cards you’ll be using.
• Be aware of who’s around when you pull out your phone, and hide your screen as you type in your PIN.
• Leave your Social Security card, birth certificate and passport at home unless you truly need them.
• Shred old bills and financial records before tossing them.
• Review your credit report and bank statements regularly.