BEAUMONT, Texas — A trend that is sweeping the internet has parents posting information of their children online that could fall into the hands scammers and predators.
Students across Southeast Texas are returning to the classroom for the new year and Charles Teel, owner of a Beaumont cybersecurity firm says these criminals are taking notice online.
"These criminals they're gonna do research to find out what they can about their target," said Teel
Teel says it doesn't take long for scammers to find easy prey, and it is all thanks to social media.
"If you're putting it online, just assume that the whole world, including the bad guys, are going to be able to see it," said Teel.
The social media trend involves a child holding a chalkboard that show details like their name, age, grade and teacher.
Teel says that simple information like this is enough to make a family a target.
"Somebody that might have ill intent towards the kid, or might might be predatory against the kid or his family, they that's a great way to find out, Okay, where is the kid during the day? They are in Mrs. Smith's class or at such and such school," Teal says.
The most seemingly harmless information can put anyone at risk.
"What are used for your security questions for bank accounts or for email accounts, etcetera? Teacher's name can be used for that. So, my favorite food is this, my favorite color is these. This is like a list of security questions for a lot of a lot of online accounts out there. You know, my favorite thing to do is, I know, with my own security questions, it's what is your favorite food? What is your favorite color? The name of your pet? The exact same kind of stuff that's on here," said Teel.
Teel recommends that parents set the example for kids when it comes to online privacy.
"They may not have a social media account now, but they will down the road, and they're going to be looking to parent their parents on how to responsibly use social media," Teel said.
Teel says getting educated about digital dangers can keep your kids better protected. He suggests parents visit cisa.gov for an online list of do's and don'ts.