Beware What Information You Share With Others

Attention watchers. If you noticed some ugliness has spilled out onto the group page I have hidden it. If not ignore it. This is not a place for arguments or unprofessionalism. I tried to handle this situation the best that I could and the most professional that I could. I will not name names here, so don't ask. I would like to remind you that the internet is not a safe place to be. You should exercise caution with whom you communicate with. Here are some guidelines to remember when communicating with others online.

1. Do not share personal information: Addresses, phone numbers, full names, or bank account information. In today's age, there are safer ways to accept money. If someone wants to send you money for commissions or donations use a third party website like PayPal. Never have your real or main bank account linked to your PayPal. Create a separate one for business.
2. Never accept checks. In today's day and age, checks have become obsolete they work exactly the same as a debit card. The only time checks should ever be used is in person at cash registers or if grandma is sending you a gift. It's now safer to send money wirelessly than it is to send a check, for a multitude of reasons. If someone is asking to send a check chances are they want your personal information. Don't give out personal information ever.
3. Realize there are predators on the net. It doesn't matter what age you are. Children and minors are mostly targeted for sexual abuse, but anyone can be a victim of fraud. Exercise caution with who you talk to. Remember #1 I mentioned names. I sometimes wonder about this one myself. I think we all struggle with this one here. Giving a name out gives a person leverage. Even if it's your first name. Predators use tactics like name calling/using as a form of asserting control.
4. Stand your ground and be assertive. If someone asks you for personal information, politely decline and let them know that you exercise safe internet and business practices. Too many people confuse being assertive with being an asshole. (Excuse the language. needed for effect.) This is not true. Being assertive means you have boundaries. Some people, well a lot of people don't like it when you exercise boundaries.
5. "I exercised a boundary and now the person is manipulating me into feeling bad." Never feel bad for someone who is manipulating you for information. Chances are they will defraud you or find you. This is how people gain stalkers as well. Stand your ground be firm. Don't fall into this trap.
6. Watch for suspicious behavior. If you are having a conversation with someone you don't quite know yet, it should never get too personal. (There are exceptions, we do have help groups, but therapists are more ideal.) If a person starts talking about things that are sexual in nature and it makes you uncomfortable, put a stop to it. Tell them that you don't feel comfortable having this conversation, switch the subject. (See number #4)
7. Pay attention to how others conduct themselves online. In this instance, this person was shopping online for a girlfriend. There are dating sites for that. This is not the place. This makes holding information important and ideal. You don't know if they are a stalker, you don't know if they will show up on your doorstep. (Let's just say I'm talking from personal experience here. I know a predator when I see one. I can smell them.) This is a potentially dangerous and awkward situation. Don't be dumb.
8. Get to know people over the course of a few years, not days. I talk to people regularly. I have friends in Canada, I have a friend in Texas, and I also have a friend in Maryland, whom after 8 years has my phone number. This one is a special case here. I can trust this person now, they have been vetted. I do volunteer Skyrim modding jobs for them as well as voice acting in my free time. Getting to know people over an extended period of time allows you to see their true colors. Time proves trustworthiness.
9. When in doubt ask a trusted adult or parent for help or guidance.
10. Don't forget about the DA Policy. People can report problems for you all they want, but it doesn't do you any good. In this instance, if you are not the one reporting to DA they will toss a generic message stating that they cannot help the situation unless they have permission from the person with stated issue or problem. Don't ask for others to report a problem for you, do it yourself. Have a backbone. If you are being harassed stand up for yourself, others cannot do it for you. Don't forget you have a block button for a reason.

I'm sorry if this comes off as strong or harsh, but it comes from a good place.
Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful evening!
-LadySeshiiria