The truth about chatrooms. - Page 2

**RadioMaster** · 23 Jan 2007, 23:42

wowowow....
I think there´s a slight difference from behaving a little different in chatrooms and in real life and claiming to be a completely different person.
And I think it´s the second kind we´re talking about here.

JulesB · 23 Jan 2007, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by RadioMaster

wowowow....
I think there´s a slight difference from behaving a little different in chatrooms and in real life and claiming to be a completely different person.
And I think it´s the second kind we´re talking about here.

I've run into the second kind, no kidding. The stories I could tell.

Jules

mszee · 23 Jan 2007, 23:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulesB

I've run into the second kind, no kidding. The stories I could tell.

Jules

How strange...I thought that this site is more or less exempt from that kind...

**Monstro** · 23 Jan 2007, 23:56

No site is exempt, some may have easier targets than others but everywhere has the same issues

vrg · 24 Jan 2007, 00:12

I do know I've met some great people through this UK site and also through .net. My instincts work pretty well, and I've been cautious as I've gone along, but haven't really bumped into anyone who was not at all what they said they were. I know I'm quite shy in reality until I get to know you or the ice is broken; online, I am a lot bolder. And we won't talk about the difference between my PMing Meat, and meeting him in person! But that is the only major difference with me between cyber and reality. If I've missed anything, Zina can tell you.

**The Flying Mouse** · 24 Jan 2007, 00:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by RadioMaster

wowowow....
I think there´s a slight difference from behaving a little different in chatrooms and in real life and claiming to be a completely different person.
And I think it´s the second kind we´re talking about here.

Well it's all part and parcel of the same issue really, so no real need to put a boundry on the convo

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulesB

I've run into the second kind, no kidding. The stories I could tell.

Jules

Well come on.
Spill beans

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monstro

No site is exempt, some may have easier targets than others but everywhere has the same issues

I have to agree.
Although personally I have never anyone from this site who was not what they claimed to be, doesn't mean it can't happen.

I think this kind of site has a pretty low target factor for this kind of behaviour, but nowhere on the internet is 100% infalable.

Now if you'll excuse me, i'm off to check every little detail on every member on the site
*glares around members with suspicion

*

mszee · 24 Jan 2007, 00:47

Guess I can say I got lucky for as few as I've met from this site...they been what they claimed to be...

JulesB · 24 Jan 2007, 02:11

Not to make anyone paranoid, but the worst case scenerio we have encountered was a possible attempt at real world identity theft. In the USA this is a growing problem and it can wreck havoc personally and financially.

A trusting fan invited another from this community to join them in attending a show out of town and invited them to their home to stay before heading to the show. Long story short, the host felt afterwards something very strange had gone on, and very likely the guest had tried to steal personal info, leading to 18 months of hell for the host.

Just be careful.

Jules

MeatGrl1 · 24 Jan 2007, 02:32

I have to say everyone I met at RAH last year were who they said they were and it worked out well, but I think because it was a 'fan club' meet up it was safe as can be and as Neil said earlier I think the risk here is very low though not altogether 100%, sure like everything else I am weary of new members but then just take it as a pinch of salt. Don't know where I am going with this really except I agree with Ginny, I am alot better at expressing myself in text than verbally but that doesn't mean I don't have fun I just don't cope well in big groups but that's beside the point, everyone I've met on this site have been wonderful and were who they have said they have been

.

**The Flying Mouse** · 24 Jan 2007, 02:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulesB

A trusting fan invited another from this community to join them in attending a show out of town and invited them to their home to stay before heading to the show. Long story short, the host felt afterwards something very strange had gone on, and very likely the guest had tried to steal personal info, leading to 18 months of hell for the host.

I had something like this happen

Had someone steal my identity

Unfortuntly,that person found out when they tried to use it that I had 21 warrants out on my ass

They now doing 37 consecutive life sentances, and i'm living my new life as Walter Tannenbalm

MeatGrl1 · 24 Jan 2007, 02:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE FLYING MOUSE

I had something like this happen

Had someone steal my identity

Unfortuntly,that person found out when they tried to use it that I had 21 warrants out on my ass

They now doing 37 consecutive life sentances, and i'm living my new life as Walter Tannenbalm

!

**The Flying Mouse** · 24 Jan 2007, 02:44

Sorry bout that, I have a natural impulse to let my loon loose, but Jules post highlights that no community is ever 100% safe.

There are many reasons people pretend they are what they are not, and they are not always obvious.

MeatGrl1 · 24 Jan 2007, 02:45

It's OK

Made me laugh

!

And that is sadly very true.

mszee · 24 Jan 2007, 02:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE FLYING MOUSE

I had something like this happen

Had someone steal my identity

Unfortuntly,that person found out when they tried to use it that I had 21 warrants out on my ass

They now doing 37 consecutive life sentances, and i'm living my new life as Walter Tannenbalm

Right...

*Unpacks her suitcase and phones airline to cancel her ticket*...

Done...this should take care of that...

mszee · 24 Jan 2007, 02:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatGrl1

It's OK

Made me laugh

!

And that is sadly very true.

I know...it always makes me sad too when he makes me laugh...

MeatGrl1 · 24 Jan 2007, 02:52

Now Zina,
I did not mean that and you know I didn't I was refering to his last statement...

Quote:

THE FLYING MOUSE
There are many reasons people pretend they are what they are not, and they are not always obvious.

mszee · 24 Jan 2007, 02:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatGrl1

Now Zina,
I did not mean that and you know I didn't I was refering to his last statement...

Well, THAT statement made me sad too...

**The Flying Mouse** · 24 Jan 2007, 02:57

Twas a comment said in jest, a play on words.

Pray continue.

SW31 · 24 Jan 2007, 03:10

MeatGrl1 · 24 Jan 2007, 03:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW31

Chris, what the hell is with the smilies !!!

!

JulesB · 24 Jan 2007, 03:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatGrl1

I have to say everyone I met at RAH last year were who they said they were and it worked out well, but I think because it was a 'fan club' meet up it was safe as can be and as Neil said earlier I think the risk here is very low though not altogether 100%, sure like everything else I am weary of new members but then just take it as a pinch of salt. Don't know where I am going with this really except I agree with Ginny, I am alot better at expressing myself in text than verbally but that doesn't mean I don't have fun I just don't cope well in big groups but that's beside the point, everyone I've met on this site have been wonderful and were who they have said they have been

.

It's wonderful you had such a great experience, I know the feeling. Yes, the risk is very low, but the threat is there. I've had some of the best times of my life with the people on this board, however, bad things happen to good people.

Make all the jokes you want, but this community is as vunerable as any other. The only security involved is an email address that isn't a freebee like hotmail or yahoo and that's basically all the security that can be enforced.

Jules

**RadioMaster** · 24 Jan 2007, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatGrl1

I have to say everyone I met at RAH last year were who they said they were and it worked out well, but I think because it was a 'fan club' meet up it was safe as can be and as Neil said earlier I think the risk here is very low though not altogether 100%, sure like everything else I am weary of new members but then just take it as a pinch of salt. Don't know where I am going with this really except I agree with Ginny, I am alot better at expressing myself in text than verbally but that doesn't mean I don't have fun I just don't cope well in big groups but that's beside the point, everyone I've met on this site have been wonderful and were who they have said they have been

.

How can you be sure about that?
All you know is that you meet a guy, who called himself Neil, but you have no proof that he´s Neil, he could also be Neil´s mad neighbour who lived his whole life in the cellar watching the people go by.
The thing that I´m trying to say, is that you believe that the people are who they claim to be, but you have absolutely no proof for that. You just think that wont happen to me, and thats, as I think, the problem with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulesB

Not to make anyone paranoid, but the worst case scenerio we have encountered was a possible attempt at real world identity theft. In the USA this is a growing problem and it can wreck havoc personally and financially.

A trusting fan invited another from this community to join them in attending a show out of town and invited them to their home to stay before heading to the show. Long story short, the host felt afterwards something very strange had gone on, and very likely the guest had tried to steal personal info, leading to 18 months of hell for the host.

Just be careful.

Jules

In 8th or 9th grade, a friend of mine entered the school chatroom, claiming he was me, insulting my friends and giving a very bad picture of me. I know that this is different to what we´re discussing here, but isnt that where it all starts?

MeatGrl1 · 28 Jan 2007, 03:38

Yes I see your point.
But I am still here and I met Neil again on Thursday for this signing so I can safely say it's him, however I am aware that meet up's can go wrong and I also realize that sometimes they can go drasticly wrong.
I've just been lucky in that sense I guess.

mszee · 28 Jan 2007, 04:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by RadioMaster

How can you be sure about that?
All you know is that you meet a guy, who called himself Neil, but you have no proof that he´s Neil, he could also be Neil´s mad neighbour who lived his whole life in the cellar watching the people go by.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatGrl1

Yes I see your point.
But I am still here and I met Neil again on Thursday for this signing so I can safely say it's him, however I am aware that meet up's can go wrong and I also realize that sometimes they can go drasticly wrong.
I've just been lucky in that sense I guess.

Did anybody check this guy's - Neil whatever - ID???

I mean...nobody knows that he, in fact, is Neil...do we???

24 Jan 2007, 02:32	#34
MeatGrl1 No Day But Today Join Date: 29.05.2006 Location: Sitting on the steps outside looking so restless and reckless and lost! Posts: 9,089	I have to say everyone I met at RAH last year were who they said they were and it worked out well, but I think because it was a 'fan club' meet up it was safe as can be and as Neil said earlier I think the risk here is very low though not altogether 100%, sure like everything else I am weary of new members but then just take it as a pinch of salt. Don't know where I am going with this really except I agree with Ginny, I am alot better at expressing myself in text than verbally but that doesn't mean I don't have fun I just don't cope well in big groups but that's beside the point, everyone I've met on this site have been wonderful and were who they have said they have been.

24 Jan 2007, 02:45	#38
MeatGrl1 No Day But Today Join Date: 29.05.2006 Location: Sitting on the steps outside looking so restless and reckless and lost! Posts: 9,089	It's OK Made me laugh! And that is sadly very true.

23 Jan 2007, 23:42	#26
RadioMaster The German Join Date: 11.03.2006 Location: some kind of hunting lodge for rich weirdos... Posts: 15,778	wowowow.... I think there´s a slight difference from behaving a little different in chatrooms and in real life and claiming to be a completely different person. And I think it´s the second kind we´re talking about here.

23 Jan 2007, 23:56	#29
Monstro Promoted to Wario's spellchecker Join Date: 17.09.2005 Location: London Posts: 12,947	No site is exempt, some may have easier targets than others but everywhere has the same issues

24 Jan 2007, 00:12	#30
vrg Super Loafer Join Date: 30.10.2005 Location: Just outside Manhattan Posts: 671	I do know I've met some great people through this UK site and also through .net. My instincts work pretty well, and I've been cautious as I've gone along, but haven't really bumped into anyone who was not at all what they said they were. I know I'm quite shy in reality until I get to know you or the ice is broken; online, I am a lot bolder. And we won't talk about the difference between my PMing Meat, and meeting him in person! But that is the only major difference with me between cyber and reality. If I've missed anything, Zina can tell you.

24 Jan 2007, 00:47	#32
mszee Mega Loafer Join Date: 29.03.2006 Location: And you think you're down under??? Posts: 26,252	Guess I can say I got lucky for as few as I've met from this site...they been what they claimed to be...

24 Jan 2007, 02:11	#33
JulesB Senior Loafer Join Date: 07.02.2003 Posts: 188	Not to make anyone paranoid, but the worst case scenerio we have encountered was a possible attempt at real world identity theft. In the USA this is a growing problem and it can wreck havoc personally and financially. A trusting fan invited another from this community to join them in attending a show out of town and invited them to their home to stay before heading to the show. Long story short, the host felt afterwards something very strange had gone on, and very likely the guest had tried to steal personal info, leading to 18 months of hell for the host. Just be careful. Jules

24 Jan 2007, 02:44	#37
The Flying Mouse Armed ba$tard and Jo's other half. Join Date: 06.08.2002 Location: In the middle of nowhere near the end of the line. Posts: 16,104	Sorry bout that, I have a natural impulse to let my loon loose, but Jules post highlights that no community is ever 100% safe. There are many reasons people pretend they are what they are not, and they are not always obvious.

24 Jan 2007, 02:57	#43
The Flying Mouse Armed ba$tard and Jo's other half. Join Date: 06.08.2002 Location: In the middle of nowhere near the end of the line. Posts: 16,104	Twas a comment said in jest, a play on words. Pray continue.

24 Jan 2007, 03:10	#44
SW31 in my coup de vil waiting for pardise by the dashboard light Join Date: 24.11.2003 Location: middlesbrough smoggy rules Posts: 8,137

28 Jan 2007, 03:38	#48
MeatGrl1 No Day But Today Join Date: 29.05.2006 Location: Sitting on the steps outside looking so restless and reckless and lost! Posts: 9,089	Yes I see your point. But I am still here and I met Neil again on Thursday for this signing so I can safely say it's him, however I am aware that meet up's can go wrong and I also realize that sometimes they can go drasticly wrong. I've just been lucky in that sense I guess.