Beware of the Cyber Stalker

Cyberstalking can be any number of things, such as threatening or harassing email, online verbal abuse, identity theft, email forgery and even pedophile activity.

The authorities have only recently gotten involved in the policing of the Internet, tracking down and dealing justice to cyberstalkers. Even with the authorities trying to make the Internet safe, there are general safety guidelines you can practice to reduce your chances of being a victim.

Do not give any personal information or passwords to anyone through email, chat rooms or newsgroups.

Be aware that in a chat room a criminal can present themselves as a teenager, or professional, basically anyone of any gender. Be very cautious when making ?friends? in chat rooms or newsgroups.

Don't create an online biography. Family homepages can be useful, but do not include your last name, address, phone number, occupation, or other identifying information for a stranger to compile.

Be careful of online offers that would result in someone visiting your home. Same goes for ones that ask you to attend a meeting or ask for an immediate response requiring financial information or credit card number.

If you are being stalked there are a few things you can do to help the authorities bring the perpetrator to justice. Save all your messages from the stalker, both on paper and on disk. Record dates and times the stalker contacts you. Most importantly, do not panic. Go to the police and tell them what has been happening.

The Internet is a powerful tool for communication and information, but it can also be a dangerous place. It is wise to take precautions.