NBI Cautions Filipino Travellers on Social Media Risks During Holidays: How to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away

Published on December 29, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, many Filipino families are planning their annual vacations. With the Christmas and New Year’s holidays quickly approaching, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued an important advisory urging the public to exercise caution when using social media, especially for those planning long trips. The NBI’s message is clear: while holidays are intended to provide rest and relaxation, they should also be a time of increased awareness of personal security.

The advisory, issued on a Saturday, reflects a growing concern about the safety of Filipino households during vacation periods. The NBI emphasised that taking precautions in the digital world is equally important as securing one’s home before leaving for vacation. It also emphasises the dangers of sharing information on social media while travelling, as it can unintentionally attract unwanted attention from criminals monitoring online activities.

The Dangers of Social Media During Vacation

With Filipinos being some of the world’s most active social media users, the NBI’s advisory is particularly timely. According to global digital trends, the Philippines boasts a high rate of internet usage, with the average Filipino spending over eight hours online each day. The country’s preference for platforms like Facebook has made it an attractive target for criminals seeking to exploit personal information. The NBI’s warning comes as part of a larger global concern about the potential risks posed by oversharing on social media.

One of the primary concerns highlighted by the NBI is the tendency of individuals to post real-time updates while travelling. While it may be tempting to share exciting moments from a vacation, the NBI cautions that such posts can reveal a homeowner’s absence to would-be burglars. Criminals can easily monitor these updates to identify vulnerable targets, especially when they notice that a property is left unattended for an extended period.

How to Safeguard Your Social Media Presence

To mitigate these risks, the NBI advises a few simple yet effective steps to keep one’s social media activity secure during travel. First, the agency recommends avoiding the posting of real-time travel updates or photos that reveal your absence. Instead, it is better to share travel memories only after returning home, ensuring that potential intruders are unaware of your departure until it’s too late.

In addition to delaying posts, the NBI encourages social media users to be mindful of their privacy settings. By adjusting these settings, users can control who sees their posts, limiting access to trusted friends and family only. The NBI also suggests that individuals regularly review their account settings to ensure that they are not oversharing personal information with a wider audience than intended.

The Importance of Social Media Privacy Settings

The advisory stresses the importance of reviewing social media privacy settings before embarking on a vacation. Many social media platforms offer robust privacy options that allow users to tailor who can view their posts. By restricting visibility to only approved contacts, users can safeguard their whereabouts from the public eye and reduce the risk of falling victim to criminal activity.

It is also advisable to limit the personal information shared on social media altogether. The NBI highlights that some people may unknowingly reveal details that could compromise their security, such as posting about specific travel dates, revealing the names of relatives, or disclosing their home address. Simple precautions like not tagging your exact location or home in posts can go a long way in maintaining privacy and security.

Beware of Suspicious Interactions on Social Media

Another important aspect of the NBI’s advisory is the caution against engaging with unknown accounts or individuals on social media. Social media platforms have become common spaces for scammers and hackers to engage in various types of cybercrime, including phishing, identity theft, and fraud. The NBI warns users to be wary of unsolicited messages or interactions from unfamiliar accounts, as these could potentially be part of an attempt to gather personal information or trick users into sharing sensitive data.

The NBI urges individuals to report any suspicious behaviour immediately to authorities. Prompt reporting can help prevent further harm and protect others from similar online threats. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to secure their social media profiles, Filipinos can enjoy their holidays with greater peace of mind, knowing they are taking measures to protect their homes and personal information.

The Role of the NBI in Promoting Online Safety

As the primary agency responsible for investigating and addressing cybercrime in the Philippines, the NBI continues to advocate for digital safety, especially during high-traffic periods like holidays. In addition to issuing public advisories, the NBI works alongside other government bodies to educate citizens about online threats and how to avoid them.

The NBI’s initiative is not only timely but necessary, given the widespread use of social media in the country. With the rapid growth of internet connectivity and mobile device usage, social media platforms have become integral parts of daily life in the Philippines. However, as the NBI points out, this digital revolution also comes with inherent risks, and users must be vigilant in safeguarding their personal information.

The Growing Concern of Cybercrime During Holidays

As more and more people rely on social media to stay connected with friends and family, the risk of cybercrime during holidays has grown. This trend is not unique to the Philippines but is a global issue. With the increased activity on social media, the holiday season often sees a spike in the number of cybercrimes, including online scams and identity theft. The NBI’s advisory serves as a reminder to the public that being proactive in securing one’s online presence is just as important as locking doors and windows before heading out on a vacation.

In conclusion, the NBI’s warning to Filipinos about the dangers of sharing travel updates on social media serves as a timely reminder of the importance of online safety. While it is natural to want to share exciting holiday moments, it is equally important to ensure that one’s personal information remains protected. By following the NBI’s guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, Filipino travelers can enjoy a worry-free holiday season while keeping their homes and personal details safe from prying eyes.

Conclusion

As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, many Filipinos are excited to spend time with family and friends. While social media is a great way to stay connected, it’s important to remember to be safe online. The NBI’s advisory serves as a reminder to think before posting and to take simple precautions to safeguard personal information while away from home. Travellers can have a safe and secure holiday season, both online and offline, by adjusting privacy settings, delaying posts, and remaining cautious of unknown interactions.