Sure it is.

In the good old days your had your name, address and telephone number distributed for free by the telephone company. Anyone who wanted to do you harm just had to look you up in the book, and they could do that without leaving an electronic trail.

The world is the same ..... just more densely populated and with faster access to information ..... BUT the same criminals are there as they always have been ... and for every improvement the criminal makes in their trade, the better educated the average citizen is ..... the biggest difference I can see is that we all know about the crimes sooner and the word is more widespread, thanks to the same technology the criminals use.

As far as tracking you ..... trying to find out who "BeelzeJeep" is on ARF ...... really? There's easier targets out there.

Yup, giving out your city and state is not a security risk. If you think that's a risk, then don't let anyone see you out shopping ... they might follow you home .... lol

Not me. My car would convince them there's nothing to gain.

RRM

I am talking about identity theft and financial fraud, not physical threats.

When you give your exact name and address I can look up your tax records. From there, more personal information can be located like, driver's license #, SSN, phone #, birthdate, and relative's names and so on. This stuff is all public if you want to look for it. Some people are professional scammers and this is all they do.

It is naïve to believe that just because you have not been targeted that you won't be. I have replaced several credit card numbers this year, due to fraud. That is probably on line and gas pump skimming. I have no proof either way.

It is safer to keep your information secure than to put it out there for everyone.

I am tapping out before Alan closes the thread or deletes my posts.

Nobody is asking for exact name and address.

I think it's not a big deal for the average person. Only those who have something to hide would have high anxiety.

If you are so worried about safety, you need to move somewhere safer. Be sure, any crooks are far more likely to steal your flat TV than any old radio

Exactly! I've always used my real name on all forums, and have had zero problems.

And they're not going to be searching an obscure web forum just to find you.

Ah, but you don't know what he's been up to that might make someone want to do that.

RRM

Even a librarian lives a more eventful and exciting life than I do---nothing to hide but my privacy

that's not how you would do it.

Quote: It is safer to keep your information secure than to put it out there for everyone.

I think some people here are forgetting that YOU control the profile information that others see. Your screen name and your location come from YOUR keyboard and no one else. Choose what makes you comfortable using this forum.

Jeff

"1N770 - somewhere on the Oregon Trail". FYI - Crooks and scammers bring lots of water and a spare wagon wheel.

btw, "Lewis & Clark Stomping Grounds" is not an acceptable city name.

I know Alan, but I can enjoy my profile's chosen location until December 31st, 2022. I don't have a problem with the new location requirements and will comply before the stated deadline.

Jeff

This is not accurate---Alan stated that location must be real location, as it will be verified by IP

Your location must be city and state OR city and country. It must be specific and mappable. IP addresses will only be a factor in determining if an account is a spammer or not.

Ok, well that changes everything---that paints a clearer picture. I don't have a problem with it now

You can fill in the new location box and leave the old one alone. Both will show up until December.

Whats interesting I never seen this done anywhere..

I have been part of a couple of forums where this is not only required, but the requirement is even more strict. I have been part of three forums where a real name and location are required - not happy with it? - don't join those forums. Then there's RadioMuseum. You register on line but your acknowledgement is sent by snail mail - how's that for verification? And RadioMuseum is one of the premier radio antique forums on the web, so it's not like the members are upset about it.

So far this is pretty mild ....