BUFFALO, N.Y. — Think twice before posting vacation photos on social media this summer. 

Those envy-inducing beach shots or videos from Europe shared with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat could be taken as an invitation for criminals, notifying them of an unattended home that's ripe for invasion. And if that happens, a homeowners or renters insurance policy could be invalidated. 

Posing a photo at 6 a.m. while waiting at the airport, or sharing a flight path might seem innocent enough, but "every step of the way you're showing you're not home," said Douglas Benz, president of New Buffalo Insurance Agency. "Someone could certainly put the pieces together." 

In some cases, that has led to insurance companies believing clients haven't taken reasonable care of their property, or using preventative measures to keep property safe.

"It's fascinating, in this day and age, that so much of our lives are on social media, this idea that you invited in a robber or a burglar into your house, by advertising that you're not there, maybe that could give some cause," he added.

While not a common practice and not seen in New York to Benz's knowledge, he doesn't deny it could happen.

"Things could change," he said. "This technology evolves so rapidly, it's tough to perceive and understand in so many industries where it will go and what it will result in," Benz said. Attorneys in personal injury cases, among others, do review social media when preparing for a case. 

The best advice? Don't use geo-tagging on photos and turn all settings to private, Benz said.