New Home, Same Hacks: Cyber Mistakes Movers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Moving is already a hassle — packing boxes, paperwork, final walkthroughs… the last thing you need is a hacked account or lost documents during the process.

But it happens more than you'd think. Real estate scams, public Wi-Fi hacks, and digital slip-ups during travel can derail closings and cost you money — fast.

If you're relocating to or from San Gabriel Valley, protecting your digital life is just as important as choosing the right home.

Here are the top mistakes movers make — and the smart cyber moves that’ll keep you one step ahead.

Why Digital Travel Safety Matters When Moving

When you're on the road — or hopping on a plane to your next destination — your guard is naturally down. You're focused on logistics: packing, signing documents, final walk-throughs, and getting to your new home. Hackers and scammers know this. Travel hubs like airports, hotels, rideshares, and public Wi-Fi networks become hotspots for digital theft and fraud.

Without the right precautions, your private data — financial info, real estate contracts, even your personal identity — can be exposed. A simple mistake could mean delays in closing, wire fraud, or worse.

Good news: a few smart moves can dramatically reduce your risk.

Pre-Move Cyber Checklist: Before You Hit the Road

Before you board that plane or drive out of town, lock down your digital life with these simple steps:

 Update all devices.
Make sure your phone, tablet, and laptop are running the latest security updates. Think of it like checking the locks before leaving your old home.

 Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
For email, banking, and real estate transaction apps, MFA acts like a second lock on your most sensitive accounts.

 Set up a VPN.
A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet activity. If you must use hotel Wi-Fi or airport hotspots, a VPN is your armor.

 Back up important files.
Store real estate documents, identification, and important contacts both in the cloud and on a physical backup drive or secure USB.

 Clean up social media.
Avoid posting about your move in real-time. Delay announcing that your house is empty, your plans, or exact travel dates until you’re settled.

 Turn off auto-connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Your phone shouldn’t be auto-joining unknown networks. Disable these settings before you leave.

Smart Packing for Safer Travel

Just like you'd pack an essentials bag for your first night in a new home, prepare a “Digital Go Bag”:

• Portable battery pack – Avoid relying on random public chargers.

• Privacy screen protector – Shields your laptop/phone screen from wandering eyes.

• Secure USB charger or data-blocking adapter – Prevents “juice jacking” (data theft through public charging ports).

• Password manager app – Secure, accessible storage for all your critical logins.

• External hard drive or encrypted flash drive – Handy backup if your device is lost or compromised.

Safety at the Airport, on the Plane, and at the Hotel

Relocation often means layovers, late-night hotel stays, and pit stops. Stay sharp with these quick travel-day rules:

 At the Airport:

• Turn off Bluetooth and AirDrop/Nearby Share.

• Never use public USB ports without a data blocker.

• Avoid entering sensitive passwords over public Wi-Fi — wait until you're on a private, protected connection.

• Keep devices with you at all times, like your wallet.

 At the Hotel:

• Verify the correct hotel Wi-Fi network name with the front desk — don’t guess.

• Never post your room number or hotel name publicly.

• Use your own hotspot for sensitive activities like banking or signing final closing documents.

• Cover your laptop webcam when not in use — even trusted spaces aren’t foolproof.

Pro Tip: Delay Your Social Media Posts

It’s tempting to share your exciting move the moment you arrive — but resist posting real-time updates until after you're settled. Posting a "New Home!" selfie instantly tells the world:

• Your old home is vacant.

• You’re likely distracted and vulnerable during unpacking.

Instead, create private updates for trusted friends and delay public posts by 24–48 hours.

Moving to or from San Gabriel Valley? Here's Why It Matters Even More

The San Gabriel Valley is one of Southern California’s most desirable regions — and also one where digital crime, identity theft, and real estate fraud are active threats. High-value homes and busy relocations are prime targets.

Recent trends show that wire fraud during real estate transactions — particularly phishing scams impersonating escrow officers or agents — are on the rise. Protect yourself:

 Never trust last-minute wiring instructions received via email. Always verify in-person or via known, official phone numbers.
 Use strong unique passwords for escrow portals and banking apps involved in your move.
 Add transaction alerts on your banking accounts to catch unauthorized transfers immediately.

If Something Goes Wrong: How to Act Fast

In case you suspect any foul play during your move:

• Lock down your device remotely using Find My iPhone/Android Device Manager.

• Contact your real estate agent and escrow company immediately if you receive suspicious emails or calls.

• Change passwords for email, financial, and real estate transaction portals without delay.

• Notify your bank and monitor all recent transactions.

The faster you act, the better you can minimize damage.

Final Thought: Move Smart, Move Safe

Buying or selling a home and relocating to or from San Gabriel Valley is an incredible milestone. By taking a few proactive steps before and during your move, you’re not just protecting your belongings — you’re safeguarding your future.

The goal is simple:
 Arrive safely.
 Close securely.
 Start fresh with peace of mind.

Welcome to your next chapter — and stay protected every step of the way.

About the Author:
David Girten Jr. is a U.S. Navy veteran, cybersecurity expert, and entrepreneur specializing in digital protection strategies. LinkedIn

Disclaimer:
This blog post was created using a combination of personal insights, publicly available real estate resources, and AI writing assistance via ChatGPT by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice.

Readers are encouraged to consult with licensed professionals before making any real estate decisions. Turn Keys With MG, Matthew Garcia DRE# 02251181, and Real Brokerage Technologies assume no liability or responsibility for actions taken based on the content of this blog. Always verify any legal or regulatory advice with appropriate authorities or qualified professionals