Barcodes are wonderfully useful in so many applications. The world simply wouldn’t be the same without them. But when it comes to safety and security, it is important to remember that the information contained in a barcode CAN be stolen – and recent news headlines have alerted us to the fact that barcodes accidentally posted in social media photos can be stolen, as well! Social media safety is important.
Here’s a running list of some types barcodes that you want to be sure to keep off your Instagram page – and others that are safe.
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Boarding Passes – Not Safe!
By now, we’ve all seen the headlines and stories about how we should never post pictures of ourselves with our boarding passes online. The barcode on a boarding pass contains all sorts of personal information that can be stolen. But now, there is another news headline that is “stealing” the headlines – pun intended! Read more about boarding pass safety tips here in ‘3 Reasons Why You Should Use Mobile Boarding Passes.‘
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Racetrack Tickets – Not Safe!
A couple weeks ago in Australia, a woman took a selfie with her winning bet ticket for the 2015 Melbourne Cup horse race and posted it to Facebook. An unknown Facebook “friend” used the barcode from the photo to claim the $825 of prize winnings as his/her own. Authorities are working to track down the offender, but as of now, the real winner has gotten a pretty raw deal!
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Lotto Tickets – Possibly Safe?
Although I have not come across any instances of winning lotto tickets being stolen in such a way, I suppose the possibility is there. I imagine that it would be pretty difficult to a) replicate an authentic looking lotto ticket, b) find a Facebook friend that has posted the exact same type of lotto ticket with a winning barcode and c) claim it for oneself without being caught. But either way, I would err on the side of caution and brag about your winnings only after they are safely deposited in your bank account!
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Special Event Tickets – Not Safe!
It takes very little effort for a scammer to steal a special event ticket – such as a concert or sporting event ticket – and nab that barcode. The thief can use your barcode(s) to print replica tickets, gaining personal admission into the event, or even printing multiple tickets and scalping them. Not only does this affect you, but it affects others who may be scammed by a ticket scalper. Bottom line? Keep those tickets to yourself.
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Hospital Patient ID Wristbands – (Hopefully) Safe
From what I’ve read, the barcode on a patient wristband at the hospital usually only contains an ID number that must be used in conjunction with a specific hospital software application to look up patient information. However, I would never want to chance it. For instance, I purposefully left the wristbands out of my social media photos when I posted of myself and my newborn babies. Why chance it?
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Retail Barcodes – Safe
Just bought a new purse and you want to show it off? When it comes to a UPC, there isn’t much to be gained by “stealing” this type of barcode. A UPC simply contains information as to which company manufactured the item you purchased, along with some additional item information such as why type of product it is. Nothing about you or any of your personal information is contained on a UPC barcode so feel free to say “Cheese!”
Bottom Line
When it comes to photos, barcoded or otherwise, I prefer to be cautious online.
EXPERT TIP: Set your social media settings to private and think carefully about what you are posting and who could potentially see it.
And now, while we’re on the subject of social media, are you following us? Here’s your chance.
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About the Author:
Carmella Giancursio is L-Tron’s Public Relations Specialist & Content Editor. When she’s not working, spending time with her husband, or taking care of her 3 young kids, she can be found in the kitchen, channeling her Italian heritage!