A Cautionary Note-

[Pub Wench]

This past week there was a another really sad story.  A man went to look at a used car for sale he found on Craig’s List . He was found robbed and murdered.  I think they said he was a college student.

As the owner of the Challenge, and dealing with so many people online,  I had to become 'street smart', (or more applicable- 'online smart')   real quick. You can be assured, I learned the hard way and am still learning.  It’s just so disturbing every time I hear reports like this.  This particular young guy went to look at the car by himself in a ‘non public place.’ 

More and more of these online based crimes are happening every day of the week.  Repeatedly I've put alerts in our forum about scammers out to take advantage of artists, but the threat goes way beyond art scams. It can obviously mean your life.

One of the basic online rules of safety - Obviously NEVER EVER arrange to meet with someone alone that you only know via email or from a website. Make sure you're in a public place and take another adult with you.

NEVER EVER give anyone who you connect with online- your phone number or your address.  Remember you DON’T REALLY KNOW who’s on the other end of an email.  *Even if they only have your phone number- they can easily look up your home address in online reverse directory.

For artists or crafts people who sell online, we suggest you get P.O. Boxes and only accept PayPal for payment.  Its also a good idea to look up any buyer online before you complete a transaction.  Just put their name in the browser and see what comes up.

Another real simple and important caution to thwart problems:  Never  post an  ‘Anonymous’ comment sent to your blog- even if it seems innocent.  Think about this: Anyone who goes through the steps of making their comment anonymous has a ‘reason’ to stay unidentified.  Be assured their intentions are NEVER good.

Anyway, please be cautious and stay safe.  Online has provided a whole new world for so many wonderful things and acquaintences.  It also provides a new world for evil and it'S coming at us in many many forms.