[BrandyHagz]

(I am posting this message on the forums where we see the most photographs – in addition to the Community Directors Forum)

Members, there has been a serious issue come up in the last few days, an issue that I feel needs to be addressed openly, both as a notification and also as a warning to members who post and read here.

Anyone who has been a member for any length of time knows my stance on internet safety and like previous messages I’ve posted regarding that topic, this message will also address that topic.

In recent days, it has come to light that a member (with four accounts) has taken photographs either posted to this forum or posted in other places on the internet and attached them to messages posted here on the forums and misrepresented herself as the mother of these children. So far, this matter involves one member, and two other non-members who never gave consent to have their child’s picture posted by someone else.

This is a frighteningly scary situation – nothing is more stress inducing than navigating to a very large website and finding a picture of YOUR child posted by someone else claiming parentage.

Administrators, Community Moderators, Moderators and Hosts have no way of knowing or confirming parentage in situations like this…we don’t police attachments, unless attachments are brought to our attention.

What can be learned from this situation? Delete your pictures! Every member of this forum has the ability to self-delete attachments at ANY time. Please, continue to share your pictures with members of the site – but also, remember that anything and everything you post here is here forever…so if you are concerned about pictures of your child landing in the hands of someone who has ill intentions, please navigate to http://forums.adoption.com/profile.p...ditattachments and remove some of your older attachments!

Remember, the internet is anonymous! You can be anyone you want when you’re on the internet. You’ve all seen it with the likes of “Julie” the ever pregnant birthmom looking to place her child in outlandish situations – to JuliannaTeresa and her horde of special needs adoptees from (Insert what ever country board she happens to find interesting this week).

Please, I urge you to protect yourselves! Also, protect each other – let someone know if you think they’re sharing to much information! While sharing information is what the forums is about…it is NOT about jeopardizing your families safety and security in order to find support!

We are doing everything in our power to address the issues which have come up in recent days. A word of warning to the members out there who are perpetrating this invasion – you will be caught – even Canada has stalking laws and rules about internet usage!

[bekalynn]

Brandy,

This is extremely scarey news...

Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

(Bump)

[P.E.Z.]

Bumping up this VERY important information

[kauai2k]

sick, sick, sick...

Some people are just too scary to even describe.
Thanks for the update and I have to say - I'm so glad that I have NEVER posted a picture of the child we are adopting.
diane

[kcbailey777]

I just deleted all my pictures and will not be posting again. I love showing of my angel but this scares me. I have been stalked before and should have known better.

Thanks for the reminder.

Lisa

[JohnnaMJH]

Thanks Brandy, is there a way you can let us know the member's ID? I feel like in this case, that person's right to privacy has been superceeded by our right to know who to look out for here, and elsewhere.

Thank you!

[i<3myDH]

This is so scary. I didnt even relize it could happen. Thanks, i need to learn a bit more about internet safety. When we finnally adopt (in a long long time), i will make sure to be careful. There ARE weirdos out there.

This is a real eye opener, Maria.

[Pipercub]

Yikes! Thanks for the good reminder.

[adoptionnewbie]

Brandy, thanks for letting us know! I didn't realize that I could delete old pictures and have deleted them all!

Thanks for looking out for us!

[Maggie Beth]

Why are people so totally messed up? Good grief... well I deleted all my attachments... kind of sad but necessary. I want to second what Johnna said -- you usually identify troll, so why don't you tell us who we should watch out for?

[braedensmommy]

I just deleted all pictures of my son. I am not taking ANY chances. Thank you for the warning.

[BrandyHagz]

The member isn't someone who participate on the Guate forum...this took place on the Transracial Adoption Forum under the General Adoptive Parents Support area.

Kiara_12345
mummy_2princess
mariette_589
jesia_5

As I said, the above ID's only posted to the Transracial Adoptive Parents or Transracial Adoption Forums.

[Larue]

Thanks for the important safety reminder. I have also deleted my attachments. It's too bad there are such twisted people out there. I really enjoy looking at everyone's photos -- it brightens my day!

[Leebert2]

Thanks for the warning Brandy. How scary...

Lisa

[busterleroy]

Bumping this up. Horrible!