Click with caution, police advise
Updated: Tuesday, 11 Aug 2009, 6:54 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 11 Aug 2009, 12:41 PM EDT
Source: myfoxtampabay.com
By: April Kellogg
Deputies: man lured women on MySpace
TAMPA – Dating and shopping online — it’s more popular than ever. But don’t forget the dangers that come with surfing the ‘net.
“The internet has blown up. There are so many people going on the internet for every service, meeting people. So you are going to see more people preying on innocent victims,” warned Tampa Police Department spokeswoman Andrea Davis.
This week is a good reminder. Polk deputies arrested 20-year-old Travis Bragg, saying he used MySpace to lure women onto dates and then attack them.
“The way he was able to move into their world was first moving into their MySpace. And then he moved into their real space. And then he sexually battered them,” offered Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Investigators say Bragg assaulted two woman and fear there may be more victims. The arrest now has local law enforcement reminding us all about cyber safety.
“You really should limit the personal information you’re giving — giving your address, home phone number — those are things you should stay away from,” Davis continued.
Online dating can be especially dangerous.
“If you are going to meet someone, meet at a public place — a crowded public place. There’s nothing wrong with going out to dinner with someone. Just don’t wait until past closing time and walk out to the parking lot together,” Davis suggested.
But all online activities come with risk, as we saw with the arrest of a 22-year-old man in Boston now known as the Craigslist Killer. Police say he was preying on vulnerable woman that were advertising online.
Experts recommend doing a little research online before meeting anyone.
“Just as simply as going to the county jail website to see if they’ve been arrested or have any kind of criminal history. Or the Florida Department of Corrections just to see if they’ve been arrested in the state of Florida,” Davis added. “But above all else, use common sense and always click with caution.”
