Midday Interview: Do back to school photos pose a risk?

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — With school set to start, the Columbus Police Department is addressing back-to-school photos and how they can pose a threat for fraud and scams.

Sgt. Jane Edenfield stopped by WRBL and explained why it’s important for parents to be aware and protect personal information about their children from being in the wrong hands when posting back-to-school photos.

“Believe it or not, children’s information is used to open accounts, buy vehicles… they’ll turn 18 and their credit score is 500,” Edenfield explained.

Edenfield also says that back-to-school photos nowadays are revealing more information than necessary, which poses a threat by not only scammers, but sexual predators as well.

“What kindergarten class? What’s their favorite color? What school? What’s their dog’s name? You know.. those are bank security questions, way too much information,” Edenfield expressed. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my children’s information all over the worldwide web for sexual predators to know as well.”

Although parents want to jazz up these photos and share them, Edenfield suggests that they keep the back-to-school photos generic to avoid sharing too much information with the public.