British homeowners have been warned they could be in danger of having an insurance claim denied if they expose themselves to thieves by partaking in one social media trend
Britons have been told not to engage in aTikTok trend to protect their home (stock)(Image: Getty)
TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms have grown in popularity since the likes of Facebook and others joined the fray in the early 2000s.
On these platforms, people share glimpses of all sorts of moments and events; from birthday celebrations, to baby photos, and home transformations.
However, it is in relation to the last matter that has prompted experts to warn homeowners not to engage in a new TikTok trend.
Specifically, they are urging people not to post before and after photographs of housing renovations, as this could give away important information to burglars.
It is always a wonderful moment when a housing renovation is complete and many enjoy showing off their hard work on social media, but experts from MoneySuperMarket have warned this could invalidate a home insurance claim in the event of a burglary.
In a statement on their website, they explain that the trend could mean users are giving away their home address to eagle-eyed social media users and could invalidate an insurance claim, as the insurer may argue that by posting these photos, the individual wasn’t taking enough care to protect their home.
On how thieves can find your property, personal finance and insurance expert Kara Gammell said: “Many people don’t realise that using screenshots or screengrabs from their property’s original listing on sites like Rightmove or Zoopla can put them at risk.
“These images can stay online for years and be easily found through a simple reverse image search – meaning anyone, including opportunist thieves, could work out where you live.”
Meanwhile, MoneySuperMarket added: “If your online content reveals where you live or showcases valuable possessions, your insurer may argue that you haven’t taken reasonable care to protect your property.
“Therefore, if your home was targeted by thieves as a result, your claim could be denied – leaving you to cover the replacement costs yourself.”
This isn’t the only habits Britons are encouraged to kick if they want to protect their home from thieves, with homeowners also being encouraged to stop hiding a spare key near their property e.g. under a flower pot or a doormat, as this is where thieves tend to look first, reports the Express.
Experts from the Online Spy Shop added: “Don’t leave spare keys in ‘convenient’ places, and keep all keys—house and car—out of sight from doors and windows. It sounds simple, but it’s based on how burglars really operate.”
They also recommended that people should not say on social media when they’re about to head on holiday, as this almost acts as an advertisement to potential burglars to say the property is vacant.
