1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV)
15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
There is this term call Catfishing. People in the south would consider that going fishing for catfish. Mostly these days people know it as an internet or online term where someone actually gets lured into a relationship by a fictional online persona. Perhaps a prankster. Via phone this wouldn’t be much different than those fake IRS or Tech Support calls most people get from time to time. It is a numbers game, if you reach out to enough people you will get a few.
Another term is trolling. This is defined as creating discord on the Internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online community. The media and others appear to do this all the time to the President and watch him take the bait. They certainly get a rise out of him. Various places will also post suspect news. Anytime dealing with the internet and online world ALWAYS have your “antennas” up. Be suspicious and be very careful what you say and do. Though not sting related there is a story about a 19 year old gamer, Josh, who was trolled someone online during a Runescape game he was playing after he was baited. He spoke in jest–made some threats most people would pass off/ignore. The police/FBI were called in and pressed charges. Josh ended up serving 6 years for something he said online. It was an empty threat/joke. What Josh found out is the same thing that the lawyers will tell you in these sting cases: [I] was informed by my court-appointed attorney that the law at that time merely stated that if the words are spoken, it is a crime. For many in the sting cases the words, though private are implied consent (they are recorded and not private) and if you show up you made a substantial step and are guilty. Thus, 75% of the people in the stings plea out. Josh also took a plea, and not a very good deal either.
Bottom line – watch what you say and be cautious when doing things on the internet. Many others out there do not have your best interest in mind. Always be suspicious of others until proven otherwise.
I updated this website recently–double checking links and added a few new articles and files. Hopefully some of this research will help those caught up in law enforcement sting operations.
Stay strong and help us in this fight. Here is a petition to sign to show your support. As I’ve said before it will take a collective and it will take time.
Waiting and Watching,
- Samuel