Save yourself from cyber creeps YM SEPTEMBER 2000 / PHOTO: BLEACHER/EVERARD The guy Katie Tarbox met online was smart, funny, kind...and an adult who was convicted of child molestation. Read on for a story of her Net nightmare-and the rules every girl needs to know about safe surfing. BY KATHERINE TARBOX Five years ago, when I was 13, one of my favorite activities was to surf the Net and make new friends. The Web was a welcoming place that made me feel completely comfortable. That is, until I met Mark-a man who tricked me into believing he was 23. We had a six-month online romance, ending when he lured me into a hotel room and molested me. Police later told me he was really 41 and had a history of stalking young girls. Now, at 18, I've written Katie.com to warn other teens about online dangers and to help prevent more crimes. Here, my key tips for safely meeting people on the Web. I learned the hard way-so you won't have to. Web Warning #1 Face the fact that it can happen to you When I first went online, I'd heard of pedophiles, but I never imagined that a top student like me would be clueless enough to be vulnerable. At the time, many of my friends had boyfriends, and I wanted someone, too. The Web was an easy way to meet people in the privacy of my home. I could be myself and find others who understood me. I'd always felt that the guys in my grade weren't as mature as I was. So when I met Mark, a thoughtful guy who told me he was 23 years old, I was impressed. He used perfect grammar, unlike most people online. And I could talk to him about anything. I never imagined he had bad intentions. That's how I got duped! Sleazes like Mark use all sorts of tricks to convince others they're normal, and they're so smooth that anyone can be a victim, no matter how brainy you are. | |
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