Info from Blogs and Forums!

[Tom-H]

On another thread posting is a discussion about folks not disclosing their location. Some of the reasons being posted are related to security, and how people can get your information. This can be so true. Last year my Blog got hacked into, and a bunch of spam went out. I fixed it, but added a post to anyone that might have been affected. The post stated that I was working a a computer program, that would trace any hackers attempts to gain access, back to the hackers computer, and leave a virus of my own. I went on to say that the program was nearly completed. This was all in complete jest - a joke, or so I thought. I had about half a dozen e mails from people I didn't know, asking for information and a date and price. I had two telephone calls about the program. My telephone number has never been posted. One of the calls warned about the legality of what I was doing. You just never know! I am still laughing but keeping an eye out for black SUV's.

Tom H

[Bob K.]

That's very interesting Tom...do you think posting just your town and state is a problem?

[Tom-H]

Bob, If some one wants to find you they can, Internet or not. As far as posting your town and State, I don't have a problem. Not posting your last name may slow them down a few minutes.

Tom H

[Bob K.]

Tom, I agree nowadays there is no such thing as privacy, and there are so many ways someone can track you down if the really want to.

[Buffalo Bif]

If I have your name and town I can prolly find you, even with unlisted phone, and I am not a devious hacker type. I was found with only that info, fortunately for me by a guy i wanted to talk to anyway. Walked up my driveway and knocked right on my door.

[Sharon of the Dell]

I tracked down a friend a few years ago, I didn't contact her though. Found a trail that lead to a prison she was doing time in for accessory after the fact to a homicide. Hadn't heard from her in about 25 years and don't want to hear from her!

[Eddy-Smiles]

You're right about that Tom! Most folks would be surprised to find that they can Google their name and get multiple hits. If that doesn't work they can use the White pages or Zaba. The best thing to do is to keep your screen name and actual name seperate and then only give a relative location of where you live like Sharon and Bif have done. If someone is able to track you down after that then they almost deserve the reward for their effort.

[Mark Dellinger]

Eddy,

You are absolutely correct or at least for the most part. Sometimes even screen names are not safe. Most folks here would be surprised to find that if they type their name followed by "woodcarver" what comes up about them. Tom I like your ideas of a backtracking virus now that is funny.

Mark

[Nomad]

Seriously Tom, how much for the program?

[Terry Vance]

I have also tracked down a person. I too did not contact her. Didn't want to scare her although she needs to know how she has put herself at risk with all the info she has put online...including her picture.

I just altered my location after thinking about what I had said above. Still there, just not an exact location.