Online Safety with Kids and Digital Kidnapping

[Social Media Logos. Image found on Internet]

Back in December 2014, I wrote a blog titled: “Online Privacy and Fake Memories” [http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2014/12/online-privacy-and-fake-memories.html].

It was due to the fact that in December 2014; a friend (L) had called out someone about a photo, supposedly back from the late70’s/early 80’s – which you can read about on the above referenced blog. Turns out the kids photo was STOLEN from a November 2014 blog. Even though the photo was backdated to 2008, on Facebook … anyone can do that with their feature.

A mutual friend (R) stated: “wrong, but not really a big issue to worry about” in regards to the other friend’s concern about the misuse of someone else’s photos.

Unfortunately, as we saw in the case of the kids skiing photo, it didn’t stop there and was not a victimless crime. It never really is; and it isn’t stopping either. As “L” said – there are children involved in this that have no say.  

It’s called “Digital Kidnapping” or “Cyber Kidnapping”. Unfortunately it is a grey (gray) area for law enforcement. Many of the laws on the books haven’t kept up with the technology advances. Nevada just recently passed a specific law on “squatting” (you can either research it or I will talk about it later).

As I stated in the above blog, under an update, this was mentioned on the Today show on 2/27/2015 [http://www.today.com/video/today/57041622#57041622]. It was even mentioned in a news article: http://www.fox8live.com/story/28189979/digital-kidnapping-a-growing-trend

Here is an April 2015 WHNT 19 (Huntsville, AL) news article excerpt:

“A disturbing new trend is spreading across social media. People on social media are stealing photos of other people’s children. It's called "digital kidnapping."

The term "digital kidnapping" may seem embellished to some, but the victims who have pictures of their children stolen are left wondering why someone would do this -- and what else are they capable of?” (Riopka, 2015). You can read more here: “Digital Kidnapping: Madison family finds their child targeted by online photo thief” [http://whnt.com/2015/04/27/digital-kidnapping-madison-family-finds-their-child-targeted-by-online-photo-thief/].

Still not convinced enough?  

Yesterday (May 12^th, 2016), part two of a Dr. Phil episode featured a family confronting the “digital kidnapper”. Warning … it is QUITE disturbing.

Here’s the synopsis:

“Did a Stranger ‘Cyber Hijack’ a Couple’s Twins? A Side-By-Side Photo Comparison.

April and Nathan claim a total stranger has been stealing photos of their 4-year-old daughters and posting them as their own on social media.

In fact, they claim a woman named Ashley has stolen hundreds of photos of the girls since they were born and has reposted them as if she were their own mother.” (link will be at the bottom of the blog).

Scary, isn’t it?

I’ll post links to the Dr. Phil videos. But, I do urge EVERYONE to read my previous blog on it and WATCH the videos that I’ll link to later on.

In another blog … “Social Media and Intellectual Property Theft” [http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2015/01/social-media-and-intellectual-property.html] I stated the following: “Another point that was made was that the person who shared a photo that wasn’t theirs – they weren’t the first or last person to do it, that it is a sign of the times and it won’t change.”

As a friend and I discussed, unless it happens to those kinds of people … they don’t seemingly care. That’s the attitude that is going to keep it going and keep it being “no big deal”.  

There is something emotionally disturbing about people who want to “steal” someone else’s life or kids for an online profile. What’s worse is when they’re confronted … they first continue the lie, perpetuate the lie, then without emotion say “I didn’t mean you any harm” – as if that’s supposed to give the victim the warm, fuzzy feeling. As if the victim is expected to say “oh, you poor thing”.  

In the Dr. Phil case, the digital kidnapper (Ashley) is not really remorseful (her lack of a real apology is apparent) and tries to keep the charade going. She was asked by the real father of the kids (Nathan) to delete the photos some three years ago – Ashley kept going on, even up to April 1^st of this year.

Then, on Dr. Phil, her attitude reflects that she is supposed to be forgiven and “doesn’t know why” she printed the photos and continued the charade. Watch the videos.

If you (the reader) want to know how serious this is (and can be), picture this scenario … if you will:

Doris is a lovely, but lonely 56 year old lady. But, very lonely. She (in order to combat the loneliness) makes up a story (after seeing a happy couple with two kids) that she has custody of her two grandkids because their parents died in a car crash.

She shares pictures of her two grandkids (Janie and James) online and talks about them constantly. As to why she isn’t in the picture with them? She says “oh, I don’t take pictures of myself, they’re far more important to me after everything they’ve been through”.

Her online friend Mary sees Janie and James with another couple (at Disneyland). Mary calls the cops because Doris is their grandma and their parents died … so this couple must’ve kidnapped them, right? What is this couple doing with Doris’ grandkids? She didn’t say anything about the trip. After all the kids have been through, why would Doris not take them herself?

Well … what if Doris has been lying? What if she, like Ashley did, digitally kidnapped Janie and James by stealing pictures from their parents’ social media pages and reposted them as her grandkids?

And, what would happen to Doris, Mary, the parents, and the kids when this is uncovered?

See what kind of trouble that can cause? Any wonder that back in December 2014 I posted two blogs on the seriousness of this?

Now, some might argue that perhaps Doris’ family might speak out. What if she has no family to speak of, or is using an alias herself? How would we really know?

Here’s the set of videos from the Dr. Phil episodes. They are in order according to the website and “article”.

PART ONE: “I Believe A Stranger Is Obsessed With My Beautiful Twin Daughters and Has ‘Cyber Hijacked’ Them!” [http://www.drphil.com/shows/i-believe-a-stranger-is-obsessed-with-my-beautiful-twin-daughters-and-has-cyber-hijacked-them/; May 11, 2016]:

“Mother Accuses Stranger Of ‘Digitally Kidnapping’ Her 4-Year-Old Twin Daughters”

http://www.drphil.com/videos/mother-accuses-stranger-of-digitally-kidnapping-her-4-year-old-twin-daughters/

 “Did a Stranger ‘Cyber Hijack’ A Couple’s Twins? A Side-By-Side Photo Comparison”

http://www.drphil.com/videos/did-a-stranger-cyber-hijack-a-couples-twins-a-side-by-side-photo-comparison/

“Woman Responds To Allegations She Digitally Stole Photos Of Couple’s Twins & Posted Them As If They Were Her Own Children”

http://www.drphil.com/videos/woman-responds-to-allegations-she-digitally-stole-photos-of-couples-twins-posted-them-as-if-they-were-her-own-children/

“Parents Confront Woman Accused Of ‘Cyber Hijacking’ Their 4-Year-Old Twins”

http://www.drphil.com/videos/parents-confront-woman-accused-of-cyber-hijacking-their-4-year-old-twins/

PART TWO: “Will Ashley Confess”

“Parents Question How Framed Photos Of Their Daughters Wound Up In Stranger’s Home”

http://www.drphil.com/videos/parents-question-how-framed-photos-of-their-daughters-wound-up-in-strangers-home/

“Woman Apologizes For ‘Digitally Kidnapping’ Couple’s Twin Girls: ‘I Really Don’t Mean You Guys Any Harm’”

http://www.drphil.com/videos/woman-apologizes-for-digitally-kidnapping-couples-twin-girls-i-really-dont-mean-you-guys-any-harm/

 “How a Woman Used Social Media And Her Deceased Mother To Perpetuate A Story About Having Twins”

http://www.drphil.com/videos/how-a-woman-used-social-media-and-her-deceased-mother-to-perpetuate-a-story-about-having-twins/

I apologize if this blog is almost like a newspaper (or magazine) to read. I urge everyone to watch the videos above and follow basic steps for protecting one’s family. What do I do?

1.) I don’t allow many people access to my account. Not because I don’t have several requests – I don’t know some of these people. I am not going for a “most friends of all time” award. I want to know and interact with REAL people. If they’re not someone I know (either we have a mutual friend; I’ve really met them; or I can vet them) – I say “NO” to that friend request.

2.) I am not comfortable allowing people to know where I live – after all, I don’t know some of these people. I keep my Facebook LOCKED down by posting all “sensitive” stuff to only those who have my address or who I’d let know where I live (family, close friends).

3.) I am not about to let strangers know when I am not going to be at home. So, I keep that only for family (cousins, uncle, and my mom) and a few friends (who are just as close as my family). That’s who I’m going to also show my vacation posts to and pictures of my kids to. It also cuts down on potential suspects.

4.) Watermark photos with something. Keep the originals in a safe place other than a computer (flash drive works well and if you can on DVD, holds more than a CD). Try to be accurate with the file dates.

5.) Watch out for groups on Facebook. Predators can lurk here – which is obviously what happened to the Willis family.

6.) Never refer to kids by full name in a public post. Use Twin/Triplet #1; Daughter #1; DD (dear daughter) #1; kid#1 (if family has multiple boys and girls). Things like that. Also don’t reveal real birthdays.

7.) Watch the frequency and type of postings.

I said the following in another blog, but true here …

8.) Don’t be available in search on Facebook

9.) Set “friend requests” to “Friends of Friends”

10.) Maintain the strictest possible privacy on Facebook and Twitter

          A.) Don’t be afraid to have lists on Facebook

          B.) Don’t be afraid to de-friend or block on Facebook

          C.) Don’t be afraid to contact authorities either

          D.) Don’t be afraid to have one public Twitter and one “family only” account. FYI: I think Twitter needs to have a family only list or option.

11.) If anything seems suspicious – REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY!!! Don’t forget to do your homework, take screenshots, keep emails.

As I said in a previous blog:

“Just because something has been done (and repeatedly) doesn’t mean we should allow it to continue. We can take precautions by limiting what we do online to impact that privacy. We can make reports against people as well.

I don’t think we can stop it entirely, but there is nothing wrong with being vigilant about it and educating our friends to being a bit more cautious online.”

But, we should encourage legislators to pass stricter laws and penalties. Laws are useless without enforcement.

I do urge people to exercise as much caution as possible. And, as I also said:

This is not just a "minor" matter. This crime has a name. And, there are victims. And, those victims may be too young to speak for themselves.  

Reflections: February 18th

It’s hard knowing where to put this blog … so, I think “Snapshots and Project 365” is the best place for it.

[My Project: 365 picture. Remembering Dale]

Today is the 14^th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s death. Today would have been my grandma’s 98^th birthday (a grandmother I was named after). She died November 2002, a year and nine months after Dale. So today, there is a bit of sadness. 

Fourteen (14) years ago, she had NO idea who I was. She was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. So, I decided to watch the race here and there … except for the last few laps. I had a lot to do, and I was a bit emotional. Though nothing like I would be later that night. 

Later that night, as I told my mom goodnight, I learned that Dale Earnhardt had died. He was my racing hero – he made the impossible seem possible.

A lot has changed in those fourteen (14) years. I’ve attended ten (10), going on eleven (11) races at Las Vegas Motorspeedway. Speaking of that ... NASCAR will here in 15 days. I’ll watch Jeff Gordon race one last time here. I’ve seen a lot of my favorite drivers race here one last time, and I’ve seen people race here for the first time. 

I’ve seen the Busch series race, the Nationwide, and soon the Xfinity Series. I’ve seen Nextel and Sprint. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the sport.

But that isn’t all. In the past fourteen (14) years I’ve personally changed in so many ways that I hardly recognize myself. I hardly resemble the young girl (24/25 year old) that heard that devastating announcement. I definitely am nowhere near the same post-9/11 person I was. 

I’ve had extremely low points (9/11 was the “hit rock bottom” part), and I’ve “soared among the clouds” for the high points. 

And, I mean that quite literally. Last June I faced a demon – I flew from my home in Las Vegas to Newark, NJ. One of the hijacked flights flew out of Newark, so that was definitely staring the devil down. I flew in that airport and out of it. I actually boarded a total of four (4) aircraft to take a remarkable journey. 

["D" gate at McCarran International just before boarding my Delta flight to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport; first of two for the trip back to New Jersey.]

[A bit delayed leaving Atlanta for Newark due to a patch of bad weather. Checking for flight arrival information. I'd land in time to check in to my hotel. Check-in was 4pm]

[Making the descent into Newark, NJ. Seeing toll booths for the first time. We really weren't that late as it turned out. Both flights were awesome. Scary, but awesome.]

I got to see (from Liberty State Park) the World Trade Center and Statue of Liberty: 

[One of my FAVORITE pictures of the World Trade Center. Taken June 28, 2014]

[My view of the Statue of Liberty. Taken June 28, 2014]

Today, I realize how many blessings I really have. I’ve been able to experience things I never thought possible. Today I realize how much of Dale’s “never give up” spirit is still inspiring me. I’ve met wonderful people, met my childhood heroes, met people who’ve inspired me. I’ve been to some remarkable places and done remarkable things (even gone to concerts):

[Met Gary Sinise at the CSI: Experience. November 2011]

[Attended a Lt. Dan Band concert at the Mandalay Bay. November 2011. One of many "free" free concerts I've been to.]

[Saw the original "Starsky" Ford Gran Torino from Seasons 2-4. Newark, NJ June 26, 2014]

[Met and had dinner with David Soul (Hutch) and Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky). I was part of a select few who did. Newark, NJ June 26-28 2014]

I’ve reconnected with my family, and those bonds are stronger than they were. I’ve reconnected with some friends, lost touch with others, lost some entirely, and made some new friends. But, life goes on. And, I learned the importance of this message:

[Inspirational card I made to remind myself to "keep going". Made through my Heritage Makers business]

I can see why Dale was so tenacious on the track, it is a trait of those born under the Taurus the Bull sign – I know, I was born on the same day. Once I rose up, I never stopped. I kept going. Much like Dale (and like another person I admire and was lucky to meet) … you just keep going. 

Today, I miss Dale. I’m sad; I can’t say I’m not. But, like his son Dale Jr. stated on Twitter … I’m glad he lived:

[Dale Jr's tweet]

I don’t think I’ll ever stop wondering “what if”, but I’m not so bogged down in the “what if”  that I can’t see the “what can be” in front of me.

“I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin’ might mean taking chances, but they’re worth takin’

Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’

Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sittin’ out, reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance …

I hope you dance … ”

That song always seems to play at the right time. Do I cry? Sometimes. But, through those tears, I still smile. Why? Because, I know exactly what give the heavens above more than just a passing glance  really means:

[My view as I head home to Las Vegas from Detroit. Delta Airlines Flight 1917; DTW to LAS; June 2014]

[In case anyone needed to see this to believe it. Yes, I still have all my boarding passes from that trip.]

Social Media and Intellectual Property Theft

In response to an incident on Facebook, I wrote the following blog: “Online Privacy and Fake Memories” [http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2014/12/online-privacy-and-fake-memories.html]. I highlighted the issue of fake memories stolen from people.

There was someone who thought it might have been deceptive, and it was “wrong, but not really a big issue to worry about”. Being deceptive is not a “big issue”? I find that a little hard to believe, especially when there are people who believe everything they read/see/hear online.

Another point that was made was that the person who shared a photo that wasn’t theirs – they weren’t the first or last person to do it, that it is a sign of the times and it won’t change.

That’s the kind of attitude and complacency that causes it to continue. It’s been excused so people keep excusing it; they’re so used to it happening it is second nature.

A recent case in the news (that’ll I get to later) highlights the lack of concern we have for this issue when it comes to intellectual property as well as our rights as people.

There is a HUGE concern when someone feels a deep need to swipe someone else’s photos, memories, or even a “life” to represent as their own – deceptive is not quite adequate – it is FRAUD. It amounts to virtual identity theft. Even if it isn’t for monetary gain – who is to say it wouldn’t lead there? [More on that later]

The person commenting (about it not being a big issue) was only concerned if it was being used for pedophilia purposes. As long as it wasn’t? “Being in the nature it was used … it was wrong, but not really a big issue”.

How about the fact that the people doing this are stealing someone’s family to represent themselves and becoming a voice for that family? That should worry anyone that someone else is being their voice.

“Joanna” (the person who was mentioned in the blog “Online Privacy and Fake Memories”) was using a picture (that she likely did not own or have permission to use) to represent herself, a twin brother, and this Lisa “long ago”.  And, this “Lisa” perpetuated the scam by commenting on the photo.

Being deceptive and dishonest puts the entire online community at risk – in addition, it is PLAGARISIM. They are STEALING someone else’s work and using it (even if it isn’t for monetary gain) as their own.

To be blunt … it is against the law. It is called INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT. And, it is something the FBI takes seriously.

If you were to publicly screen your own DVD copy of a movie that you bought – even if it isn’t for monetary gain (without permission of the distributor) – it’s still considered illegal. Read this warning (it’s from a WARNER DVD) …

[Picture of FBI warning – taken by me]

And one from a CBS/Paramount DVD: 

[Again, taken by me]

Intellectual property theft isn’t as “small” as some like to believe.

When someone (like myself) takes PERSONAL photographs, we are the “copyright” holder – despite the fact it might be a “public” place (Disneyland, etc). That is our work; that is our intellectual property. The images belong to us. They are for our use and distribution – no one else has the right to distribute them without payment and/or attribution use – even then the copyright holder might still retain their rights.

This is a good read:

“FBI Anti-Piracy Warning Seal” – note that it is under the section “Intellectual Property Theft”

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/white_collar/ipr/anti-piracy

Notice: “Copyrighted works can include, but are not limited to, films, audio recordings, electronic media, software, books, photographs, etc.” … I did. And, it is not a “victimless” crime. Even if it is not for monetary gain, there are victims involved.

Sounds serious, doesn’t it? Remember the person who said “wrong, but not really a big issue to worry about” … they’re wrong. And, they’re wrong in a big way.

To answer the person who said “sadly a sign of the times … this will never change” …

Yes it is a sign of the times, but it can change and you can do something about it – be more private. Watch what you share with and the people you share to.

Depending on what network you use and why you use it:

1.) Don’t be available in search (Facebook)

2.) Set “friend requests” to “Friends of Friends” (Facebook)

3.) Watch how many family photos you post and what details

          (Facebook & Twitter)

4.) Maintain the strictest possible privacy (Facebook & Twitter)

                    A.) Don’t be afraid to have lists on Facebook

                    B.) Don’t be afraid to de-friend or block on Facebook

5.) Watch who you friend (Facebook)

6.) Lightly watermark your photos (Facebook & Twitter)

7.) If anything seems suspicious – REPORT IT

          (Facebook & Twitter)

Just because something has been done (and repeatedly) doesn’t mean we should allow it to continue. We can take precautions by limiting what we do online to impact that privacy. We can make reports against people as well.

I don’t think we can stop it entirely, but there is nothing wrong with being vigilant about it and educating our friends to being a bit more cautious online.

Oh, and if my blogs aren’t convincing … remember I said something about a recent case in the news highlighting the lack of concern we have for the issue?

How about this:

“N.M. woman sues over yearbook photo being used on novelty flask”

[http://www.jrn.com/ktnv/now-trending/NM-woman-sues-over-yearbook-photo-being-used-on-novelty-flask-287828651.html]

Three more links:

“New Mexico woman sues novelty company for putting her high school portrait on flask”

[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/n-m-woman-sues-company-putting-photo-flask-article-1.2067066]

“NM woman sues over yearbook photo, novelty flask”

[http://www.koat.com/news/nm-woman-sues-over-yearbook-photo-novelty-flask/30548270]

“Woman suing over use of her photo on flask”

[http://krqe.com/2015/01/05/woman-suing-over-use-of-her-photo-on-flask/]

Just because it has happened, doesn’t mean we continue to let it happen.

“Dunn said his office tried to get the issue resolved before filing the lawsuit, without success.

“I received an email from Anne Taintor at one point when we first started talking that basically said ‘well, most people find this stuff funny – get over it.'” Dunn called the company’s response, “a really flippant way to think about somebody’s reputation.””

I think Mr. Dunn says it better than I can. 

Online Privacy and Fake Memories

NEW UPDATES: Please scroll to the bottom to read the updates!! Something similar was mentioned on the Today show on 2/27/2015.

We often don’t think about it when we post a photo online via Facebook or Twitter that someone will come along and snatch it and use it as their own.

Sick? Absolutely. My mom said it was frightening. She even asked “what is wrong with those people”.

She’s right. It is. But, it is very real and I’ve seen it with my own eyes. As far as what is wrong with them … that is anyone’s guess and only a medical professional’s opinion.

How’d we get on to the subject?

I was talking with a friend Sunday night (12/21) when she questioned the “validity” of a photo. Basically “Joanna” was claiming that the photo was of herself, a twin (Janne), and a friend taken “a long time ago”. [As of note, the “Joanna” account no longer exists on Facebook, so that says something right there – though perhaps the privacy was locked down].

The problem? These people are in their 40’s (born in 1970). So, the photo would HAVE to be about 30-35 years old (1979-1984).

Here’s the screen-cap:

[While it is dated December 17, 2008 ... that can be backdated. I know, I've done it on Facebook for photo albums]

Frightening? Absolutely. It should be.

To make it more terrifying, the apparent “friend” [Lisa] comments that she remembers it ... which you can read here:

[Long long time ago? As in when? 2008 or 2014?]

While that’d be okay … the photo was taken from a November 2014 blog:

“Stay Safe on the Slopes – Safety Tips for Families” [http://kidproject.org/2014/11/26/stay-safe-slopes-safety-tips-families/]

[Listing from the main BLOG page of the website]

[Full size photo. Can find it here: http://kidproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/IMG_6331-640x523.jpg]

Scared now?

Sorry, but I am hoping you are. Actually, I’m hoping you’re TERRIFIED. This is THAT serious! 

I’m sure this mom would be terrified that her children are being “used” like this – that someone (Joanna) is claiming to be her children, only a “long time ago”, and that another person (Lisa) remembers that memory. I’m sorry, but that is terrifying.

But, you wonder … if it happened to her … could it happen to you? Is someone using your children as their own, maybe as their younger selves? Maybe they’re using your memories as theirs.

That reminds me of a movie … remember “One Hour Photo”? It was one of Robin Williams’ movies were he deviates from his normal comedic side.

Here’s a synopsis from IMDB:

“His favorite customers are the Yorkin family, made up of husband Will (Michael Vartan), wife Nina (Connie Nielsen), and their son, Jake (Dylan Smith). He has done their photos for years and, over time, has developed an obsession with the family; he idolizes their happiness and affluence, memorizes every personal detail about them that he can learn, and finally begins to stalk them. Sy secretly makes his own copies of the Yorkins' photos from the film negatives and then puts them on a wall in his apartment, a massive collage which has accumulated to over 600 in count. Most of all, he fantasizes about being a member of their family and sharing in the love he assumes they must feel.”

[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265459/synopsis?ref_=tt_stry_pl]

That (and this newest incident) has me thinking about all those photos I share on Twitter with my “Project: 365” and other “memories”.

Who else is using those? Thankfully I don’t have a family that I put up there (kids, husband, parents, etc). And, as far as Facebook? That is locked down. Only specific people that I know and trust can see my photos. There are some people I personally know (friends) that I don’t let see certain things. But, it is cause for concern.

I’d like to warn this mom … give her “Lisa’s” information and let her report it to Facebook. But, I also don’t want to invade the mom’s privacy or sound like a creeper. I mean how would it sound?

However, the reason I decided to mention this is that some of my friends “friend” a lot of people on Facebook, publicize their Instagram accounts, and even post on Twitter. These people have their kids’ names listed, where they go to school, and sometimes their schedules. Again, that movie comes to mind.

I’m wondering how many people might have stolen those precious memories and are using them in a Facebook account talking about their “kids”.

My friend and I were talking about this while I was watching the prequels of “Star Wars”. As I sat there watching the movie, crocheting, and spending time with my mom ... I thought about who might have saved my pictures and used them to make up their own memories or moments.  Whose daughter am I? Whose mother is she? It can be frightening. It definitely makes you want to reconsider uploading that cute photo of the kids.

That was another reason I felt compelled to write this … it could happen to any one of us. And, the sad thing? “Lisa” never addressed the issue of why that picture from supposedly a “long time ago” featured someone’s real kids from a November 2014 blog.

If my blog accomplishes anything I hope you {the reader} take stock of what you post and your security settings. And, also watch who you friend. While I’ll admit, I friend some people I haven’t met, I’ve also gotten to know them through people I have … and their stories check out.

As with anything – be cautious. Don’t be afraid to set up “lists” on Facebook and group people accordingly. Watch what you put out there. And, if it seems strange, yes question it – PLEASE! There are some sick people out there. They don’t always advertise.

If you’re not sure, ask a friend’s advice. The worst thing you’ll end up doing is losing someone who likely should be lost. The best thing? You’ll keep your family’s memories to yourselves not to mention your safety.

As far as me? I’m wondering if I want to keep sharing pictures on Twitter …

UPDATE [1:50pm PST]:

After writing this blog nine (9) hours ago (and half-asleep), someone commented on a Facebook post that perhaps the individual who did this might be mentally ill. All the more reason in exercising caution when posting online and who you share to.

And, all the more reason to “warn” people against friending the person or persons in the photos. After all, as friends shouldn’t we look out for each other? Especially this time of year?

Although the “commenter” didn’t see anything wrong with it and pointed out that it wasn’t like it was a pedophile deal. True it wasn’t.

I will agree to a point ...

But, as I and someone else pointed out – you can’t say for 100% that the person isn’t trying to lure people in with a sad tale. And, you can’t say for 100% that they aren’t a child predator.

Why?

Some things start off innocent. And, when something BAD happens we say “OH NO! I saw that! I knew something was wrong/off. I knew it, I felt it. I had this nagging feeling …”

I’d rather be overly cautious than be a victim. There is NOTHING wrong with exercising caution nor warning people to take a bit more caution. The worst that happens is that we’re wrong.

But, when it starts off with a lie … I don’t think it is going to get better.

Again, just my thoughts on that. As for me? I’m going to tighten my security a bit better.

Another thought I will leave with everyone – IDENTITY THEFT. If that isn’t a cause for concern, I don’t know what is. 

Now, to get Twitter to have that nifty little “list” feature.

UPDATE: January 4, 2015

I just wanted to update this blog to say that I did more research on that “photo” …

Here is another link where this blog was featured:

“5 Safety Tips For Families On the Slopes”

[http://blog.snowbasin.com/2014/02/5-safety-tips-for-families-on-the-slopes]

Here is another “photo” with those kids … (supposedly this “Lisa” with Janne and Joanna) … 

And, the direct photo link :

http://blog.snowbasin.com/wp-content/uploads/G0092007-001.jpg

It bears repeating that that is in NO way a “long, long ago” picture. I’d venture a guess that it was in 2014. Definitely not in the 1970’s.

I am also writing a follow up blog as to my future of “Project: 365” on Twitter. 


UPDATE: 2/27/2015 ...

I had to take my car in for service and was waiting on paperwork for a loaner. I heard about "DIGITAL KIDNAPPING" on the TV. Here is the video from the TODAY show: 

http://www.today.com/video/today/57041622

Here is also an article about it: 

http://www.fox8live.com/story/28189979/digital-kidnapping-a-growing-trend

I urge everyone to read this blog, share it, and get educated!! This is not just a "minor" matter. This crime has a name. I hope the person who once commented  “wrong, but not really a big issue to worry about” ... can now see this is a crime, it has a name, and there are victims.