forums.rs

Forums

A Cautionary Tale

Quick find code: 23-24-769-66267537

Archaeox
Dec Member 2011

Archaeox

Posts: 53,399 Emerald Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Next time someone objects to being told that "This is not a dating site", you can point them at this story, which is really quite scary... a Mexican lady went to Peru to meet an online "friend", and ended up very dead.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/blanca-arellano-mexico-peru-organ-murder-b2232355.html


Remember folks, nobody out there is ever quite who they appear to be...
~~~~ Just another victim of the ambient morality ~~~~

~~ Founder of the Caped Carousers quest cape clan ~~

!! Slava Ukraini - heroyam slava !!

26-Nov-2022 09:09:18

SlR
Nov Member 2020

SlR

Posts: 4,378 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Yup, I would suggest sharing Geo location (via whatsapp or wherever) when meeting someone from the interwebs for the first time. Or take a friend. Meet in a public place, take things slow. That said, these scumbags could befriend their victims offline too so it's not just the internet. It does make it easier though.

It's a tricky one, do you let these shock/horror articles (that get many clicks and generate a lot of revenue for these news outlets btw) affect how to go about life? Hm, I don't know.

"Remember folks, nobody out there is ever quite who they appear to be..."
Some are, heck, many are! but some are not, and the internet is the perfect place for these scumbags to hide. Anonymity. That said, it's a shame to see people go through life scared, limiting their experiences, just because a criminal minority (and the newspapers that hype up their acts) exist. There's a lot of negative and fear mongering news these days. Sure, that could be a sign of the times, or it could be that shock tactics garner more attention which equates to more advertising revenue. We do need reminders of these things though...
I just worry that it could become a case of 'cry wolf' if they over-play these stories, and by that I mean people may become desensitised by it and think 'that wouldn't happen to me' etc.

I hope the article had a list of 'what to do / what not to do' to prevent these sorts of things, and not just the assumed "fear your neighbour" and "don't meet people from the web" crap

It's better to have the mindset that most people are good (and that's coming from a sceptic) but expect the worst. And if you're going to do something risky like meet a stranger from the net in a different country, at least plan / put in contingencies, etc. RIP to that woman. Bob says:
A bank PIN will keep your items secure.
Always check the second trade screen.
Never trade in the Wilderness!
Keep your computer keylogger-free and virus scanned.
Never give your password out to anyone.

26-Nov-2022 13:28:02 - Last edited on 26-Nov-2022 13:44:34 by SlR

Archaeox
Dec Member 2011

Archaeox

Posts: 53,399 Emerald Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
SlR said :

"Remember folks, nobody out there is ever quite who they appear to be..."
Some are, heck, many are!
I've been chatting to people online since the early 1990s, and I respectfully disagree. Everyone has an online persona which is not in fact a perfect match for their 'real life' persona. In some cases the differences may be relatively minor, but they are still there; in some cases, the differences are extreme. But it's only a matter of degree.
~~~~ Just another victim of the ambient morality ~~~~

~~ Founder of the Caped Carousers quest cape clan ~~

!! Slava Ukraini - heroyam slava !!

26-Nov-2022 14:52:17 - Last edited on 26-Nov-2022 14:57:22 by Archaeox

SlR
Nov Member 2020

SlR

Posts: 4,378 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
My stance is... With the amount of people on this planet, it's a surprise that people aren't worse / that there aren't more crimes being committed. The human race is pretty good!

Of course, err on the side of caution. Just don't let it turn you into an antisocial hermit.
And put in precautions before you do anything risky. Even then, it's no guarantee. There's only so much 'due diligence' one can do. Tales like these 'by themselves' don't offer anything constructive in my opinion, they only serve to separate people further. The likelihood of these things happening are slim, that's why they make the news. Still, better safe than sorry.

I have someone that wants to meet me IRL in December who I've been chatting to online for 2 years. I'm a bit hesitant, it seems weird, even though we chat regularly on the phone and stuff. I think her willingness to travel to me, and the fact 'I could be someone else' is concerning. Basically I don't want to encourage that behaviour lol! Obviously I don't want to say that, because I'm flattered that she trusts me, but yeah, it's a weird one. All I'm saying is "you never know" is a two way street. They could be a nutter, or they could be normal (as many are). Should we encourage it? probably not! But I don't think I'm a good example of how someone should live their life, lol. I've missed a lot of opportunities being sceptical.

Being a bit of a devils advocate here but I'm sure you know what I mean. Bob says:
A bank PIN will keep your items secure.
Always check the second trade screen.
Never trade in the Wilderness!
Keep your computer keylogger-free and virus scanned.
Never give your password out to anyone.

26-Nov-2022 18:30:13 - Last edited on 26-Nov-2022 19:04:37 by SlR

Quick find code: 23-24-769-66267537 Back to Top