Possible danger

[KarenSews2]

Help!

My daughter is having issues with a stalker. He is someone she knows, and he is very manipulative. It has escalated in the last week to the point that she changed her ph. #, changed passwords everywhere, got an order of protection, and has been in the company of family/friends at all times for the last few days.

She is attending beauty school, and another of the students is a former police officer. She told Allison that he might have software that alerts him any time she changes things AND gives him the new password, etc. My question is: do any of you know if this software exists? And what programs can/should we get as protection. I have changed her email password twice in the past few days. He has hacked into her email, and sent messages pretending to be her, and he has set up fake MySpace accounts as though they are her. This guy is very scary. We have even though of sending her somewhere for awhile. We are hoping that the current investigation lands hit butt in jail. I guess pushing his way into her apt. (witnessed by neighbors) and terrorizing her wasn't enough.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[aabram]

I feel so very sorry for your daughter, Karen. I guess that's one of the few true advantages of NOT having the Internet at home (yet). I know nothing about software, that's for the experts on this Message Board.

Annabel

[RedjackRyan]

Yes. Software like this exists.. Call me voice, my dear. I sent my work number to your PM box here.


Some information on how this works http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keystroke_logging

[aabram]

Then I feel even sorrier for your daughter for having to put up with morons like this guy. Hope they catch him soon

[DaveM]

Since the person's identity is known, sorting this out should be reasonably simple, assuming you have a police department that does its job. Provided he can be tied to the phony e-mails and other activities (which a check of his computer and hers should prove one way or the other), he's in violation of the restraining order and should be charged.

If he isn't, go to the newspapers with your story--it sounds like the sort of thing they love to write about and publicity generally gets a reluctant "system" moving. Mind, hitting this guy with a short jail sentence and a fine may not be enough to cool him off. A restraining order is only a piece of paper, but if he is charged once with violating it, he'll be under supervision for a good long time thereafter and law enforcement will not hesitate to deal with the most trivial step out of line.

Which may not do much for your peace of mind or hers, alas. So by all means take whatever steps you may feel you need to in order to feel safe. Assuming there are no legal restrictions on it, a couple of cans of "bear spray" kept handy can be a great security blanket. A fire extinguisher makes for a more than adequate substitute around the house.

Clearly this is not a joking matter, but isn't it too bad you can't just hire a pirate crew when you need them?

[SongDragon]

Wow, that's scary.

Your daughter has my sympathies and my thoughts and prayers.

I hope things are truly sorted out, shortly, and not just for a short time span.

It sounds like he needs to learn his lesson...

My best wishes to you and your family.

~Song

[Rickster]

Karen, Very sick dude! Good luck! Please let us know about any new developments.

[aabram]

PS Rudie vibes and prayers coming your way to both of you

lol Annabel