WARNING: Messaging outside the forum (especially for women)

[Spiffshine]

A situation was uncovered earlier today regarding a predator who sent PMs to numerous female members here in the forum. These PMs often contained personal information, inappropriate photos, unwelcome sexual advances and pressure to communicate outside the forum through iMessage or other instant messaging avenues. He also did not honor requests to stop sending messages in some cases. This person has been banned and the staff will be diligent to make sure he stays away.

PLEASE THINK TWICE BEFORE SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY CONTACT INFORMATION, WITH STRANGERS.

If someone pressures you for personal information, see it as a red flag. You can block members from contacting you by visiting their profile and clicking the gearbox menu. You can always feel free to contact a member if staff if someone makes you feel uncomfortable. Any communications with staff will remain confidential.

This person was a long time forum member, which just goes to show that even the most friendly and unassuming character can be dangerous. Many wonderful friendships have been made here in this great community, but when it comes down to it we are all still strangers. Please be smart and use caution with private communications.

[Spiffshine]

If you are receiving unwanted messages outside the forum, blocking on your device (not available for all models/OS's) is the best way to stop them, if your phone supports it.

iOS 7
Blocking calls on Apple’s new iPhone software iOS 7 is incredibly easy. Look in your recent call log and click the “i” next to the name or number you want to block. Scroll down and choose “Block this caller.” You won’t receive phone calls, voicemail, text messages or Facetime calls from this contact ever again. (Or at least until you make up – then you can unblock the number.)

Android
Android solutions are often trickier, if only because Android phones come in many more versions & overlays, some of which are specific to the type of phone you have. But generally, go to the contact information for the person you want to block, click Menu or options, and then “All calls to voicemail.” On other flavors and overlays of Android you may have an additional option to block or bar calls (or texts) – which means they won’t even go to voicemail.

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Providers
Most cell providers have an online option that lets you block inbound calls, texts, and email. Some are free, some are not.

Verizon - first 10 are free, all blocks are for 90 days
wbillpay.verizonwireless.com/vzw/nos/safeguards/SafeguardProductDetails.action?productName=callMessageBlocking

AT&T - charges $4.99 a month
www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB102428&cv=820#fbid=xLNi_lidXLq

Sprint - (Sprint account needed to access details)
www.google.com/search?q=sprint+block+calls+and+texts&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb

T-Mobile - free
support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1712



If you have device-specific questions, the staff are happy to try and help sort it out as best we can.

Thank you to A Bad Example for compiling this information.