LisaR said:
Okay, I know I will probably get flamed for this and I honestly am not trying to stir the pot. I feel very, very sorry for you and there is a very good chance this jerk will find you no matter how many precautions you take. However, I do not think you are helping yourself by coming to a public BB and detailing every move you are making. I am one of those that feels like we shouldn't put too much out there in cyberspace to begin with but if I was being stalked by some idiot, I wouldn't advertise where I live, that I am moving, when my business will reopen and the dates of my vacation and the cities I am visiting. Again, this guy sounds like the kind of creep that will track you down no matter what but I would at least try and make it a little harder on him. Good luck. I do agree that you need to contact the police ASAP.
Lisa
DO NOT RESPOND!!!!!
And, I totally agree with the posters here, and the experts that they are quoting.... DO NOT BLOCK HIS EMAILS.
I know it is soooo hurtful for you to think of any further emails that you might receive from him. But, this is VERY important.... These emails are the EVIDENCE that you will need to get a restraining order, and to prosecute, if necessary. You know, the same principal as keeping the obscene caller on the line, until a successful trace can be made. This evidence may be crucial to your protection.
As mentioned earlier, the fact that he was able to find you DEFINATELY qualifies as stalking/harassment. He has had to take the initiative to find you... It is not like "Hey, I just ran into her at the mall".
Please take all of this advice, and take every precaution.
My answer:
I quoted two successive responses. While I agreed with the popular advice, NOT TO RESPOND, I was impressed by the second one, which was basically to gather evidence. (This may not necessarily have been a threat, but you never know.) If you are going to consult the police, they will give you better advice about this than I can. Yes, ask them.
At the same time, the first person I quoted has a very good point. You give a LOT of information about yourself on these boards. Your photo signature is unique (those mirrors) and I have seen it here many times before. Anyone can go back and read a lot of your old posts.
Why do people do this, I ask? I mean reveal SO MUCH of their personal life to thousands of unknown readers? (Therefore making it available to whomever.) I have one DIS poster in mind who claimed to have an unlisted phone number, but described their job, detailed their commute route, and displayed which car antenna topper could be seen in any season. Lots more too. Not smart.
I hope I am not off base on this.