Online real estate listings and mapping services have changed how criminals scout potential targets. Instead of driving around neighborhoods or reading obituaries, burglars can now plan robberies from their computers or phones. Police have found evidence of this new trend. When they search suspects' devices after arrests, they often find internet histories full of property …
New threat facing homeowners whose properties are featured online: Scammers exploit virtual tours
Online real estate listings and mapping services have changed how criminals scout potential targets.
Instead of driving around neighborhoods or reading obituaries, burglars can now plan robberies from their computers or phones.
Police have found evidence of this new trend.
When they search suspects’ devices after arrests, they often find internet histories full of property searches on sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Google Maps.
Google Maps covers a huge area. It has aerial views of 36 million square miles and street-level images of 10 million miles of roads worldwide. The company says it has mapped 98% of places where people live.
Real estate websites also give criminals lots of info.
Zillow alone had about 130 million U.S. property listings as of July 2024. These sites often show detailed interior photos, even after homes are sold.
This easy access to information lets criminals “case” homes without ever leaving their chairs.
They can learn more from these online tools than they could by watching a house in person.
To stay safe, homeowners can take steps to protect themselves:
- Limit what you show online
- Avoid 360-degree video tours
- Don’t show security features in photos
- Be careful with nighttime pictures
- Hide valuable items before taking listing photos
- Ask realtors not to reveal house numbers
- Put up visible security cameras and alarm signs
- Get to know your neighbors
- Request to have your home blurred on Google Street View
- Claim ownership of your home’s listing on real estate sites
When selling a home, it’s important to show it well. But there’s no need to share too much.
Experts suggest using good photos, but not giving away every detail. They warn against 360-degree video tours, which can reveal too much about a home’s layout and security.
Listing photos should avoid showing:
- Security cameras
- Locks
- Alarm systems
- Gates
- Windows
- Doors
It’s also smart to hide expensive furniture or art before taking photos for listings. This makes the home less tempting to thieves.
Some real estate sites let homeowners control their listings.
On Zillow, for example, you can claim ownership of your home’s page. This allows you to remove photos or the whole listing if you want.
Google Maps offers a way to protect privacy too.
Homeowners can ask to have their property blurred on Street View. While it takes about a week, once done, it can’t be undone.
Being careful on social media is another key step.
Unless accounts are very private, it’s risky to post about vacations. This tells criminals when a home might be empty.
Car thieves can also use online tools.
Google Maps can show what kinds of cars are in driveways. This helps them plan which homes to target for specific vehicle types.
For added safety, homeowners should:
- Put up visible security cameras
- Display alarm system signs
- Build relationships with neighbors
These steps make homes less appealing to criminals. They want easy targets, not ones that might get them caught.
Police say if a criminal really wants to break in, they’ll find a way. But good security measures can make them think twice about the risks.
