Personal details on the Forum.

Mentalmomma · 23-01-2008, 19:34

Hi, I've noticed over last week or 2 a few dubious goings on with people requesting addresses and telephone Numbers etc on sale section. I know we are told not to post details on actual thread, but am wondering if it's becoming to risky to give at all. We ourselves have had a couple of No shows that now know where we live. Please be wary of giving your details out to anyone you don't know, if possible meet instead at a place to suit both parties in an area where there are always other around in full lighting. I know this sound a bit OTT to some, but to others, especially with children it is better to be safe than.............?

Take Care people

MM x

getto_sniper · 23-01-2008, 19:45

i think when you advertise something for sale you should state what area your in
like on freecycle saves asking and then letting folk down not your address but area

Mentalmomma · 23-01-2008, 19:47

Even if it's just the 1st bit of postcode would give enough info in most cases. Said this to hubby the other night Sniper, after went for something to find it's not even in Sheffield at all.

Raychul69 · 23-01-2008, 19:57

I've had this happen a couple of times over the last couple of days. Luckily I'm moving so they can know the address all they want I wont be here

It's a pain when your selling something large that cannot just be put into a car or carried.

jen13kd · 23-01-2008, 20:06

i usually give general area and mobile phone number and tell them to ring me for more direction once they get to a certain location.

Mentalmomma · 23-01-2008, 20:10

I agree Rach, In the case where you have to give your address make sure someone you are close to knows when the person is coming if not with you at the time.

Please note i'm sorry if my thread has worried anyone at all, this wasn't the intention i assure you. I just want people to be aware, like on Crime Watch, we are talking about a very small number who i am not aware of names of, but are foolish idiots with sad lives.

Please enjoy The forum to your hearts content, just be aware when giving details out.

lyndix · 23-01-2008, 21:00

Isn`t this just being a little bit para?
I mean, how many people on here have been robbed/attacked as a result of selling something on here?
I understand that single females should be careful about giving their address out, but.........

cgksheff · 23-01-2008, 21:06

For the isolated seller/buyer it may not matter much, but for a regular poster that gets involved in heated debates or scatters bits of personal information across many posts, it pays to remember that there can be problems.

jen13kd · 23-01-2008, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgksheff

For the isolated seller/buyer it may not matter much, but for a regular poster that gets involved in heated debates or scatters bits of personal information across many posts, it pays to remember that there can be problems.

is that a warning to trolls

who also decide to flog stolen goods

Mentalmomma · 23-01-2008, 21:42

So we're supposed to wait till something serious happens rather than remind people to be a little wary, as thats all it is.

No reference to people getting in any debate of any kind, just caution when giving ones details.

Stolen, copied who knows?

alchresearch · 24-01-2008, 08:49

I don't think this is anything new, and happens no matter which medium you advertise goods.

How many of us has listed a car for sale in the paper or Autotrader, given the details and the address but the person hasn't shown?

The only difference with SF is that contact is made by typing rather than verbally. Freecycle regularly sends an email about no-shows.

icekhan · 24-01-2008, 15:21

Well everyone needs to be safe but atleast telephone number in pms should be given, you cannot generalise that all people are bad. Hence by meeting at a location can raise questions about safety and legality of the selling goods. I don't agree with extreme measures. thanks

Worksop One · 24-01-2008, 15:27

I know what you guys mean. I sold an item using the forum and decided to have the person meet me in the work car park. After they had the item 2 weeks they decided it wasn't right (not at all sure why as it was brand new) They called and called so I said there really wasn't much I could do if they had changed their mind on the item so they proceeded to come to my work and hassle me in front of the staff - needless to say, won't happen again.