A note of caution to bloggers.
We all know about MySpace.com and how predators prey on unsuspecting kids. What about adults?
I have a friend, not religious at all, who responded to an ad for a horoscope. (Why? I have no idea - but people do look for spirituality in the strangest places.) He of course had to give out his birthday, place of birth, full name and current address. He did. Now he is being billed for multiple readings that he never requested and is fighting it out with a collection agency. Nevertheless, he gave out very personal information - information that could easily lead to identity theft.
I also got an email from a suspicious person - with whom I am only acquainted - in the form of a 'meme'. Bloggers know all about this stuff, right? This particular 'meme' wanted to know things like, "Name five places you have lived before this address." Along with other leading questions. A red flag went up. What if this person was trying to get personal information about me, or worse, trying to steal my identity? (Lest I sound totally nuts I should explain this person in question has a reputation of dishonesty - or so I am told. He also does not blog - he sent the 'meme' via email. It was wierd.)
I thought about my blogging as well as my profile on the blog - do I reveal too much? (I might sometimes about others.)
Perhaps it is paranoid to worry about such things, yet in our day and age, one cannot be too careful. I think it best to err on the side of caution- or at least be aware. Be careful about how much personal information you give away, there may be an identity thief lurking. I'm told all it takes is a full name, birth date, and current or past address.
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