so a stranger sends me an IM

Wynton · #1 03-06-2006, 06:42 PM

While multitabling the other day, I inadvertantly accepted a stranger onto my contact list. It was simply a misclick. But I didn't get an actual message at the time, so forgot about it.

Today, this guy (apparently a guy)sends me a message. By this time, I realize I have no idea who he is. (On the other hand, my brain is fried and I forget half the people I actually know.) So, I ask who he is, and he responds by asking who I am. When I don't give any info, he starts harassing me, and I block him.

My question is whether this kind of thing is routine, or has ever happened to anyone. Is sending out IMs to strangers some kind of common ploy that I'm clueless about? Does this actually amuse some people?

dun_noo · #2 03-06-2006, 06:45 PM

Tell him you're going to find out where he lives and kill him. That will scare him off.

Kneel B4 Zod · #3 03-06-2006, 06:45 PM

I got one once that said "play poker?"

I thought that was weird, given that only a few people have my aim address.

anyways, I ignored it.

SmileyPSU · #4 03-06-2006, 06:47 PM

I get something like this every once in a blue moon. I've usually found that you and the mystery IMer have a mutual freind/acquaintence. I've had freinds get on my screen name and add someone to their buddy list, usually to profile check/IM stalk some guy or girl they're into.

Either block him or try to get to the bottom of who it is that is sweating you.

Gunny Highway · #5 03-06-2006, 06:49 PM

I had this going on awhile back. Someone kept sending me messages like they knew me, weird cryptic messages. I asked around and no one knew who it was. It was creepy.

MrTrik · #6 03-06-2006, 06:51 PM

Wynton,

If your IM ID and your poker ID are the same, and you are a total fish, you will get IMs. People trying to get to know you and then invite you to a table. They want your money.

I'm not saying you fall into this, but it is common. My friend is a fish with money to burn on his new hobby (poker) and he makes lots of friends that way. And loses a bunch along the way.

Wynton · #7 03-06-2006, 06:57 PM

Actually, my IM identity is different from my ID at any forum, or at any poker site. But I could see the potential for a problem if there was overlap.

RunDownHouse · #8 03-06-2006, 07:12 PM

This is one reason my privacy settings don't allow IMs from those not on my buddy list.

pkr2k5 · #9 03-06-2006, 07:19 PM

I keep getting messages from these women who are stuck in Nigeria. They seem really nice and terrific but always count on me to help them get out [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

sublime · #10 03-06-2006, 07:22 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I keep getting messages from these women who are stuck in Nigeria. They seem really nice and terrific but always count on me to help them get out [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]'

thankfully they are not counting on you for a laugh