Facebook Updates That Reveal Too Much

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Many of Facebook's over 100 million members update their statuses at least once, if not multiple times a day, but this innocent habit could potentially put them at risk for burglaries.

According to a survey conducted by Protection One Inc., a high percentage of Facebook users put themselves at risk with out-of-town notices. President and CEO of Protection One Huma Gruaz says criminals "are using this hi-tech route to identify people who are going away."

A quick search on Facebook reveals updates that broadcast plans that homeowners would be out of town for the weekend. Some people say their high security settings would protect them from potential danger, while others, like Ebony Nicholson at American University, had a sudden realization the habit was a bad one.

"That's crazy! I never considered that! I always say when I am going to be gone weeks on end. So I really should reconsider that," Nicholson said.

Gruaz says there are a few steps users can take to protect themselves. Never accept friend requests from people you do not know, increase your security settings, ask a neighbor to house-sit while you are away and never reveal information about an upcoming trip.