What would you do if ...

you accidentally ran across 90 MB of txt files that had names, emails,addresses, phone numbers and IP's of uknown people that obviously have been scammed?

 

Kodo,

You posing a hypothetical situation?

If it was on my system, I'd want to know how it got there. If it was on one of the systems I service, then I'd ask the owner; and if I got an evasive response, such as 'Really, well I'll take care of it", that would raise my suspicions. No matter, I would alert the proper authorities. I so, dislike thieves, and scam artists are thieves.

 

I ran across a site purely by morbid curiosity .. I downloaded all the files so I can give them to the police or the FBI.. who ever.. 90+MB of people's info.

 

I would also report it to the authorities,

 

That's a lot of info. Be ready for some intense questioning. The authorites are going to want to know when, what, who, how and WHY?

 

I did a google search for a location (airport) to get directions.. I wanted to a another search so I clicked on WEB to get to the web search engine. I saw a link that I thought looked like it might be a funny link , you know like an ebaums world.. led to a dir listing of user (wide open). Opened one of the files and my friggin jaw dropped.. Then I hit the main page it was total scammage.. SP,I will post this in the MF'er.

 

give it to the FBI thats what i would do. can you tell me if my name or my mothers name is in to

 

I would be ready to cover your tracks!!!!! No matter what you say or do...they are going to be looking into........YOU!!!!!!!!

But....Nevertheless....you have to do what you can do to take them down!!!! Justice will prevail!!!!!

Roger

 

This is why I'm hesitant.. I have the files now, just incase they need to contact these people for what ever reason. Heck, for all I know it could be legit.. I have no way of proving otherwise other than the site's main page is a 'make money working from home' site.

 

Do you have "legal counsel" that is interested in ONLY your well being!!!???

If not...I would get that before you do ANYTHING!!!!

If you have NO negative background information and you also have some history related to your knowledge of computers and the way the information superhighway works, and how you could have "so called" innocently stumbled accross this info, then...I'm sure they will ultimately rule that you are innocent and you are merely trying to help!!!! However...if you DO have a record...then I would DEFINATELY seek the advice of a lawyer first!!!! Otherwise...it is totally related to whether or not you want to go through the possibility of some hell to help those that might have to deal with a little more hell than you, if you don't!!!!

Personally...If it was me, and KNOWING that I am 110% innocent...I would go for it!!!! Who knows...Not only are you going to possibly save alot of people ALOT of grief...but who is to say that your little stumbling on the information tactic isn't going to open new doors for them hacking down on these loosers, and this kind of crap that is going on all day, every day!!!!

That's just my two cents!!!!

Roger

 

FBI Notified.. I have the search params I used saved to a bookmark.
I have a lawyer too,but I won't need him. I'm not the bad guy here, so I've nothing to worry about.

 

Normally I would agree with you, but...it is always good to have one on your side, just incase!!!!!

I have a GOOD friend who is an assistant states attorney, and just in passing conversation, strictly for entertainment value...you would be surprised at the conundrums that he can throw out!!!!

If it is any constellation though...I would have definately done the same thing!!!

Just think...if it is a scam...you might have saved a family, with kids, from having to live on the street!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"May the force be with you!!"

Roger

 

I agree, you did the right thing.

I suppose they were very interested.

Steve

 

I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Please keep us INFORMED!!!!

Roger

 

You did the right thing Kodo. If it were me, I'd burn them to a CD, delete them from your computer, and give the FBI (I assume you got a contact name?) a call in a few days and ask them if they need your copy, or if was OK to destroy it.

 

I would keep a copy of this thread.

Steve

 

I did a "submit a tip".I'm sure someone from Albany will call me.

 

I think you did the right thing but it will be a bit of a hassle for you. By the way I used to live in Albany up untill a few months ago

 

a hassle for me?.. jeez. if this is a scam list, just think of the hassle those people could be going through..

 

What lead you to believe this info was involved in a scam? Obviously it shouldn't be accessible to the general public but aren't there many legitamate Work From Home sites?

You'd think if it were a scam, they wouldn't post these people's information on the net for free. That's something that you just do to screw people over but they wouldn't benefit from it.

 

the website name, the context of the site, the fact that this info was not stored properly. I just got a red flag. But as I said earlier, I have not way to prove nor disprove. That is now the job of the FBI.

 

You did the right thing. Add 5 karma points.

 

No good deed goes unpunished. I would have alerted the FBI anonymously.

 

You did the right thing kodo.

Gal

 

Good job, Kodo-San. Hope the FBI doesn't dig around and find those pictures chopped of you and the "farm animals" -------- heh heh heh.

 

oh the irony

 

Kudos to you Kodo

It is soooo refreshing to see someone doing the right thing even though it may be some hassle for you personally in sorting it all out with the FBI.

 

Yeah...and...if they put on sunglasses and tell you to look directly into this pen looking gadget they are holding up in front of you...............RUN...RUN KODO...RUN!!!!!!!!!!!

*shaking my head* in disgust for the attempt to find humor in the situation!!!! LOL

Roger

 

You done good Kodosan.