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If you are going to be involved in these types of activities and you DON'T want your information to be public knowledge use a little common sense. I have talked to three people so far who give a lot of personal information away unintentionally that any one with a security background, computer savvy, or creeper tendencies that can be used against you.
1. Don't list any colleges, major job sources, or other key information that is easily recognizable from your profile. If you are attending college in Egypt for Underwater Basket Weaving and there is only ONE COLLEGE in Egypt that narrows it down.
2. Use a separate messenger, email, phone number, etc when contacting someone outside of this site. I have seen two cute young ladies who left their FIRST AND LAST NAMES listed on their messenger screen names. With this information (as well as town, school, workplace as above) you can be googled, you are listed in public directories (sometimes with your address and phone numbers listed), you can be found on facebook, linkedin, myspace, etc.
3. When posting pictures make sure you are aware of the information you might be giving away with them. If you have a picture with your house number and STREET SIGN listed in the background you probably shouldn't consider posting that without appropriate cropping and/or replacement with a safer picture. Don't post pictures with your mail, your computer screen, calender, etc. There are a lot of details that can be lifted from the simplest things. Use a neutral background or sanitize the area you are using.
Remember folks, this is your LIFE you are dealing with. I understand some people won't care or perhaps this is part of the thrill, but of the three girls I talked to about this information, one of them was surprised but was quick to fix the few things I noticed and the other two were freaked out and promptly popped smoke and broke contact. I am just trying to inform and educate, a real creeper won't warn you so be careful. |
