We’ve all heard (and hopefully heeded) the warnings about social media.
Be careful what you post because once it’s out there, you can’t take it back. Don’t divulge your address to strangers; etc.
Today I want to share my story. It’s a cautionary tale, to remind you that BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING. Nothing you write/post/share is private. Not even private messages.
Following my redundancy in October, a lot of my former customers and stakeholders sought me out, to sympathise or wish me well.
A few of them found me via social media such as Linked In, a business-oriented social networking site and a valuable tool now I run my own business.
Early one morning a few weeks ago there was a knock at our front door. A plain clothes detective from the homicide squad wanted to see … ME!
WHAT THE!!!
It turned out that one of these people is a person of interest in the murder of Macleay Island grandmother, Lisalotte Watson, in November. As such, the police had obviously confiscated their computer and were searching through all the records – including private messages on the Linked In site.
Now they wanted to know what connection I had to this person, what I knew about them, could they have a copy of the message etc. And, would I come down to the police station and give a statement?
Of course my role in it was completely innocent.
But it has been a huge wake-up call to me about what we do or say using our computers or mobile phones.
You have been warned!
Will this affect what you say even in your private messages from now on?
Probably – will be thinking twice about what I write on social media in future !!!
Thanks for sharing and hope it all turns out well.
Me
I know – I was shocked!
I have always tried to be very careful. I give away information about me, but no one else’s story unless I ask them first. The whole thing scares the shit out of me really.
I remember recently there were a number of direct messages on Facebook that were revealed. Imagine if you had private info there believing that no one could or would see it.
I have only really gone on social media to promote the blog. Its a necessary evil, but I do try to be smart about it. Time will tell if i am successful I guess….
Becc @ Take Charge Now
I’ve tried not to give away the person’s identity in this case – but locals may be be able to work it out as it’s been in the media a lot …
Wow that is scary. A person close to me (who works in anti terrorism) sometimes tell us what is happening and how our information is being used from the internet. It is very scary!
I figure it’s best to be aware and alert – not alarmed …
Probably not. I just don’t write what I don’t want shared anywhere and don’t think I ever have. But it is worth knowing and thinking about. Guess you will hear how things progress in that case and you can update us 🙂
Yep, will do!
That’s scary. I had someone ask to be friends on FB. I thought at the time that I was already friends with her — know her from networking. But agreed anyway. Then got a private message from her that was odd. Within a few minutes discovered that it was someone else who had made a duplicate of her FB page — even using the same picture and everything.
As I keep reminding my teenagers (even though they roll their eyes): you can’t be too careful!
Wow – that’s a bit too close to home!! I had the police knock on my door recently, looking for someone – that in itself caused a few heart palpitations! I try to be cautious with what I put out there and am very conscious about how much information I give out, especially when it comes to my kids. I worry for my kids and what the internet will be like for them in a few year’s time.
Yes I will admit my heart was in my mouth when I realised the police wanted to talk to little old ME! (Hubster answered the door thankfully!)
Hi Janet, scary stuff! I am the same as Bec, I am only on Social media for the blog and I treat it as such. My hubby is on LinkedIn etc and they review their potential work employees by also checking out Facebook and social media. They refused to give a girl a job because of her excessive partying on Facebook. People have to be so careful. Especially teens.
I know but I don’t think the young ones are getting the message *sigh*
It’s quite scary when you think about it. That murder really shook me, so close to home!
Yes … As it turns out I am acquainted with two suspects in the two local homicides that have been in the media lately … Not sure what that says about me!
Wow, a bit of a shock for sure. I would have told them no – mind you in saying that I would do anything to escape my house at the mo. If people want to find out stuff about you they will, whether you blog/fb or whatever! Em x
Yeah, I did feel it was a bit of an invasion of my privacy. I honestly can’t think what it had to do with the investigations unless the message was sent around the time of the crime …
There are examples everywhere – one that sticks out in my mind was when Oprah had 2 15 year old girls on who had been talking to boys on the internet, and they went to Oprah thinking they were going to meet these guys. Well, they did, but they were 2 cops! Real wake up call hopefully for teens everywhere! I’d make a joke about being careful what PMs I send about stashing bodies, but that might send the cops to my door!
LOL Aroha!!!
Blimey! I reckon I would have peed my pants if I’d been in your position! I think you’re right – be alert but not alarmed. It’s a good reminder that the Internet never forgets!
It is pretty scary isn’t it? You got it right with the whole alert and aware rather than alarmed. Thanks for sharing
Oh wow I had never thought about that!
It probably won’t change how I conduct myself, cause I’m innocent. I have nothing to hide
Me too Jess 🙂
Goodness that would have been scary! I don’t think it would change much of what I do online- but it is important to remember how much value words (even simple sentences written online) hold.
I guess that’s why we as bloggers like writing – we know the value and power of the written word!
Wow I didn’t even think about it like that. I’m careful with what I say on social media, as I have a teenage son I must lead by example. Thanks for sharing.
I would never have thought of private messages before myself.
What a freaky thing to happen. Thanks for sharing x
Yep I was a tad freaked out!
Thanks for sharing this cautionary tale, Janet. I am careful with the tone and words I use on line to ensure I don’t hurt people or offend, for example, but the fact is, we are online so much nowadays that it is easy to be a little lax about some things. There are the obvious – scams begging for money or to update one’s login – but I am sure there must be so many other innocent looking situations on the surface that might not be so in reality. It’s important to keep in mind especially because our children are growing up in this environment and unless we exclude ourselves from society and the online world, it is here to stay. Visiting from IBOT.
Hi Veronica, hopefully my tale will result in us all being a little bit more thoughtful about our online lives!
Oh… Thanks for sharing. This is really scary… I try to always be careful on what I’m sharing
Yes, it’s a bit of a worry – but best to be alert, not alarmed!
hmmm, very interesting! wow. xx
Scary isn’t it?!