msn messenger

H

helenvix

New Member
I read a post on this forum where someone asked if you can trace someone through msn messenger. It sounded as though this would be possible if the authorities intervened because the service provider would then have to co-operate. Earlier in the week my son showed me a discussion he had on msn messenger. It was unusual and I asked him to let me know if anything strange happens again and I really do believe he would tell me.

He hasn't had any further contact from this person yet. I don't want to tell him that he must block him but I would like to know that there is nothing to worry about and that the person is who he claims to be etc. Would the authorities only agree to investigate a user’s identity if there was really incriminating evidence because I can't really point at anything and say 'That's illegal'. If the 'powers that be' did agree to look into it, could I expect an answer quickly?

Helen
 
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I think the authorities would only be willing to investigate if they felt it would be worthwhile doing so, and not just to satisfy the worries of a mother. I say that with greatest respect. There is an option within messenger to save all correspondence to the hard drive, meaning it can be printed out at a later time. The best thing to do would be to go down to the local police station with a printout and see what they say, if you are genuinely concerned.

As far as what info you'd get, and how quickly, it's difficult to say. I know in the UK the police tend to limit what information they provide about individuals, they usually just collect information / evidence. They would, however, probably tell you if there was nothing to worry about, or tell you to break off contact depending.

But as I've not had personal experience with involving the authorities with internet-related crime / illegal activity, I can only really speculate and make educated guesses. If you are really concerned, the best thing to do would be to bring all the info you have to the local station and see what they say.

I would just say, a discussion on messenger that's just a bit 'unusual', without you giving more info, seems harmless. So long as your son isn't planning on meeting anyone, and this guy isn't talking about bombing something, I'd say the internet is always filled with weird people and weirder conversations, but generally no harm can come from them.
 
I fully understand what you mean, mums always worry too much!!

I live in the UK too so we are talking about the same authorities. If an investigation were to be done on this one discussion, do you think an identity could be quickly traced in just a matter of days or is it more difficult than that?

I'm sorry if that sounds a silly question but my understanding of computers is very very poor.

Helen
 
In theory it's very simple. You give them the email address this guy used. Then it's a phone call to Microsoft (UK), who provides his IP address (his unique address given to him by his service provider). Then a call to the service provider, to give his name and address. From that, they can find out if he has a record, if he's already under investigation, and if they wanted to they could go round and seize his pc and find out if he's been contacting other people about dodgy dealings.

All that could be done within a day, in theory, but in reality it may take several weeks, it all depends on how they prioritise the case.
 
however before doing this be sure that your son is not doing anything to provoke this sort of thing as the police will need everything not just what has been said by the guy on the other end!!
 
I am not trying to be funny, but have you seen this:
dating.jpg


That's really what you are looking at.

To answer your question, are you talking about authorities tracing it... or the other person trying to trace into your sons pc?

Reading from your first post, I am assuming that the other person your son chatted with was probably someone he just met? Or is it a friend of him. I think it's more important to have a chat with your son explaning all your concerns first.
 
Yes I was talking about the authorities tracing it and it is not someone that my son knows.

I know... I'm worrying too much!!
 
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