Post by David Sechrest on May 17, 2008 18:47:38 GMT -5
I believe I can speak for all of us members when I say that we have good intentions when it comes to helping others locate loved ones or other people through this Message Board. If we can, we all want to help bring a smile to someone's heart, and help bring together those people separated by unfortunate events.
However, we must be careful in doing so.
In recent months, two cases have come to my attention. One I was directly involved in, and another I wasn't. I am not going to go into any detail regarding either of these accounts, but I want for us all to consider the "consequences" of helping others locate certain people.
Most of the requests we have received have been upright and honest. BUT, in all honesty, unless we know the person doing the search, all we have is an email name and a request. For all we know, they could be from a collection company, or an out-and-out scam artist. All of us here are trusting souls and believe what we're told, in most cases. BUT, I think it is time that we offer a little more caution when it comes to these requests. It could very well be that the person does not want to be contacted by the person searching, or as I've said, there are ulterior motives behind the search.
Guidelines for offering our help? Well, that's hard to exactly put in writing as of this minute in time. Each situation is going to be different.
I think a good starting point would be to do a Google search on the person's email address.
I know the situation I was involved with, I did this and that in and of itself told me that the person was a liar. I think that would be a good place to begin.
If you would please take the time to post any other ideas or suggestions you may have, it would be greatly appreciated, and may just help in keeping someone from future harrassment or heartache.
However, we must be careful in doing so.
In recent months, two cases have come to my attention. One I was directly involved in, and another I wasn't. I am not going to go into any detail regarding either of these accounts, but I want for us all to consider the "consequences" of helping others locate certain people.
Most of the requests we have received have been upright and honest. BUT, in all honesty, unless we know the person doing the search, all we have is an email name and a request. For all we know, they could be from a collection company, or an out-and-out scam artist. All of us here are trusting souls and believe what we're told, in most cases. BUT, I think it is time that we offer a little more caution when it comes to these requests. It could very well be that the person does not want to be contacted by the person searching, or as I've said, there are ulterior motives behind the search.
Guidelines for offering our help? Well, that's hard to exactly put in writing as of this minute in time. Each situation is going to be different.
I think a good starting point would be to do a Google search on the person's email address.
I know the situation I was involved with, I did this and that in and of itself told me that the person was a liar. I think that would be a good place to begin.
If you would please take the time to post any other ideas or suggestions you may have, it would be greatly appreciated, and may just help in keeping someone from future harrassment or heartache.