How to Report a Sexual Predator to MySpace

With the advent of the Internet, criminals have a new playground for their illicit acts. Reports show that sexual predators do visit social networking sites, like MySpace, as a way to lure victims. If you're unlucky enough to come across a sexual predator on the site, you should report the user to MySpace right away.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take a minute to consider the situation. You don't have to assume that everyone on MySpace is a sexual predator. If someone's a predator, they go way beyond appropriate behavior. Examples could include sending you nude pictures, attempting to find out personal details, or posing as a student when they're actually much older.

2. Keep all copies of messages or comments received from the predator. You can pass these on to authorities and MySpace when they investigate the problem.

3. Go to the MySpace site. Under the "Help" section you'll find a section on how to report abuse. It includes a link to send a message to customer service about the problem. Include as many details in the form as possible along with a link to the predator's profile page. After they look into the matter, MySpace will contact you via email to let you know the status of the investigation.

4. Call the police. If you're getting harassed by a sexual predator, you need to do more than just report the problem to MySpace. Let local authorities know and they'll conduct an investigation.

5. Remove your page or set it to private. If the person starts harassing you, get out of the situation as quickly as possible. Until MySpace deals with the problem, you don't want to make yourself a target.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to use the MySpace "Block" feature to prevent the sexual predator from contacting you any further if you keep your page active.
• You must tell someone if you're getting harassed on MySpace. Let your parents know, so they can help you deal with the predator.

Resources

• Report an encounter with a sexual predator to MySpace immediately.