Raynew1959OPBarrington, New Hampshire USA2,218 posts
Ever since I started on the net almost 15 years ago, I have seen mistakes by others, mainly kids and some adults. My first IM was ICQ which was one of the earliest instant messengers and in use by a lot of gamers at the time. One of the biggest mistakes I have seen kids do is have personal details such as full name and address in the Detail section. After some talking with them, they remove last name and address leaving the state or country in their details. There have been times when someone doesn't think it could happen to them and I have used info given, even without a street address to prove the point where they get scared and take my advise. I have lost friends because of this but it is better than losing them to some predator.
I don't worry about myself too much as someone would get a rude greeting if found within my home at night. I live alone and have the only set of keys to the apartment.
In IM and Emails;
1. Be careful about personal details such as full name, address and phone number. These can be given once comfortable with whoever you are communicating with.
2. Be careful when giving out details about what is near your home such as stores, restaurants, schools and other locations.
3. Be careful about saying where you or a loved one such as kids go to school or work.
4. If you switch to personal email and your mail account reveals your first and last name, keep that in mind and be sure you’re comfortable with that. A first name is plenty for a long time to be honest.
Any others? Please add what you think is necessary.
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My first IM was ICQ which was one of the earliest instant messengers and in use by a lot of gamers at the time. One of the biggest mistakes I have seen kids do is have personal details such as full name and address in the Detail section. After some talking with them, they remove last name and address leaving the state or country in their details.
There have been times when someone doesn't think it could happen to them and I have used info given, even without a street address to prove the point where they get scared and take my advise. I have lost friends because of this but it is better than losing them to some predator.
I don't worry about myself too much as someone would get a rude greeting if found within my home at night. I live alone and have the only set of keys to the apartment.
In IM and Emails;
1. Be careful about personal details such as full name, address and phone number. These can be given once comfortable with whoever you are communicating with.
2. Be careful when giving out details about what is near your home such as stores, restaurants, schools and other locations.
3. Be careful about saying where you or a loved one such as kids go to school or work.
4. If you switch to personal email and your mail account reveals your first and last name, keep that in mind and be sure you’re comfortable with that. A first name is plenty for a long time to be honest.
Any others? Please add what you think is necessary.