Turner's Perspective

Thanks Jeff. I am new to this and the idea of someone jacking my profile and using against me is alarming. I don't believe I have created enemies to that extent, but who knows.

Do you have any quick fix ideas that one should implement that would guard against an easy attack?

Thanks.

Hi Jeff! Thanks for the heads up. Once again more good information. This will help me got more motivated to become more involved than I have been.  I do use the Google Alertsfor my two sites and my name which is sometimes interesting as there is a musician, an actress and another realtor with my name.  I have to say that looking at the initial entries on Twitter, they don't really sound legit to me as you might expect a real Exxon exec to sound :-)

Jeff, taking it in another direction, would it be ok if I used your profile just once in a while? It would be fun to get people to actually read what I have to say every now and again. :-)

Seriously, thanks for more great tips from @ResPres...

Jeff,

WOW!  I never really thought about it like that before.  I get invites all the time and I turn them down because I don't have time to contribute to many of the sites that I am already on...much less any more.

This was a really great post because it made me think and reevaluate my beliefs on the matter.  Thank you.

Jeff, This is some great information for people in any business. I think I have joined every social network that has been tossed my way, more than my brain can manage. Thank you for this lesson and information.

Thanks Jeff for a great explanation, I sign up as missycaulk on all of them. It's pretty safe that way, I mean how many missycaulk's are there, just like Ann Arbor, only one. LOL

 Hi Jeff, gawd this also happened to Seth Godin a few months ago with someone who set up a Twitter account under his name. Fortunately it was nothing malicious but we have to reserve/protect both our biz & personal names even if we don't really use all the new stuff out there.

Jeff,

It's unfortunate we must protect ourselves in this way. However, awareness is a great start. Now it's time to learn prevention. Thank you.

Geez... now i have more to do...  BTW, I sent friend requests on FaceBook to all of the other LaneBaileys... it seems there are several of us.  Most already knew me because I am inescapable on Google.  And I already own my name in the places I participate, but even with an unusual name, there isn't a guarantee that you will be alone with your name. 

I always use the same jneerpat. I know no one has my name.

This is definately looking like a growwing problem.  I am glad that you brought it to my attention.  I am going to have to take some steps to make sure things are okay.

Please note that I am NOT trying to be an alarmist, but an informer. This is something you should be aware of and act on relative to your perceived exposure.

Nick... perhaps if you shave your head first. :)

Jeff -  Hi Jeff. Good points of course. You should use all your names as well as any alias you may have and keep them in Google Alerts to keep an eye on them. At least that's what I do.  I usually use our HammersTeam on everything but you never know out there in the blogosphere, what is going on everywhere on the Internet. I know I've been mistaken for Rodgers/Hammerstein before so I'm ok with that though. LOL Did you have a good vacation? Looks nice from the pics you've been uploading. Twitter you later. Bob H. 

Jeff, But, someone can go out to any social media network whre you have not created an account using your name.  I assume that if they use your pic or biz name, you may have some legal options to shut it down. Otherwise... AJ

Jeff - Good point! There are also great SEO benefits for joining social networks as well which many seem to miss because they think you need to spend time on the sites daily.

{SVW Hubba}...

Did you know I located a lovely wife via Google Alerts?

When I did, I spoke to a Big Dog about her and he informed me that she was a fake. Woof :)

I'll keep the crap that comes in under TLW to myself. For now I'll leave that with your imagination :)

TLW...ROAR!

Jeff,  Valuable (and scary) information. It isnt' enough criminals try to steal our identity with credit cards etc. now they are going to try and control the words that come out of our mouth.

This information of "profile jacking" is not surprising considering  all the other "theft" that goes on vie the Internet! But the idea of joining the various social networks just to save your name never occurred to me. A great way to stay, or at least try, to stay ahead of all the "reputation bashers" out there. Thanks!

Jeff - I'm heading to Google Alert, thanks for enlightening me.

Petra...

I could have sworn you and I discussed this. Guess not. You Lovelies out number me nowadays :)

TLW...ROAR!

It never ceases to amaze me that people will do anything to "rip off" someone else.  Thanks for the info, I now will be much more aware.  Here in Canada, people are more "layed back" about this.  It could change in the next couple of years, with Canada picking up speed on their population.  Good Grief!!

            ;>)

Thanks for your note about protecting your brand.

I like the Zig Ziglar line that "Success Is Where Preparation Meets Opportunity".

Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group

Reputation Management is soooo important in our business - you know the story about some local agent and competitor that found it fun to link our Trulia Profile Heading with some porn site a few months ago - because of Google Alerts I was able to solve the problem quickly and it caused no harm....but for me to even imagine a client of ours looking for us and finding that dissaster would have been aweful.   Now all I need is a big bodyguard and I will be all set! :)

good points. This is a new type of identity theft that I hadn't even considered. Thanks for the post

Jeff, I am on many sites but I never thought of this as a defensive act before but you make some great points.  I have Google Alerts which help me to keep track of my name plus my community...I highly recommend that everyone use Google Alerts as you pointed out.  It is too bad we need to worry about this, isn't it?

One of the original reasons I was thrust into social media was doing online recruiting projects for Monster.com and knowing how candidates were getting butchered alive through online information. In 2001 I started doing a reputation service titled "NameReality- Online Your Name is Your Reality"

It couldn't be more true today. About half of my articles now revolve around reputation and branding problems... Online Reputation Control, Branding,  Insurance, or Blind-Luck? is a good example.

One of the easiest things to do is visit the top ten or so sites (Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin, etc) and take five minutes to register an account with your e-mail and website with a basic "please see my site", JUST SO NO ONE ELSE CAN.

I've run across several people using my name here and there... and am thankful that I setup Google alerts a long time ago. I would actually recommend you setup alerts for spouse, children, business name, address just to be kept up to date once a month on things that matter to you.

Another benefit to having your web presence in place is to counter what is looming ahead, and that is negative "ratings."  More and more sites are encouraging consumers to "rate" real estate agents like restaurants.  Yelp is good example of this.  I teach agents than when you are the entire first page of Google search results, a link stuck in the middle is not nearly as noticeable and the weight of all the other places you appear helps to counter balance what that one unhappy client has written.  You can't really defend yourself online or start a debate with a consumer (who hides behind anonymity), so it's best to have impressive results already in place.  I don't believe we've begun to see the effects of all these "rating" sites that are currently proliferating.  That's when managing your online reputation will become even more critical.  Google yourself daily - that's what I tell the agents - so they are the first ones to see when there's a problem.

That was me! LoL. Hi Jeff. Forgot to login.

Oh wait!  but we all know there are several Jeff Turner's anyways because you are EVERYWHERE at the same time!!  hmmmmm  I wonder if it was your evil twin I met in SF?  you know....the one that recorded me saying "Nicaragua"

I never thought about it that way.great points

As always, great advice!  I've never really thought about it but now I will.

Jeff,

Thanks. What a great heads-up. That definitely is important and worth monitoring.

Steve

Hi Jeff, this is a very interesting post. I actually went ahead and set up a google alert, so any time anything is posted online with my name or company name or something similar, I receive an e-mail telling me about it with a link to the place where they found my name or anything similar to my name. I love it, it helps me stay on top of what is posted about me or by me on the net. This way I can go and review the information and take action if needed. 

Great Post Jeff, hadn't even thought of it in that way.  I'll have to make sure to follow up on this.

Thanks Jeff.  Something else to worry about!  Where will it all end!   Would googleing ourselves on a regular basis bring those up? 

UPDATE:  I just googled myself... There is someone from Denmark using my login/user name.    I doubt this is deliberate... but it does verify there could be a problem in the future.

Crazy stuff, but not unheard of. About two years ago, someone sent out a few letters with my name on them soliciting listings. The letters were horrible with the only intention of getting me in trouble with the MLS. Whoever did put my picture on the letters, etc. but had my name and email address both spelled incorrectly... strange world.

You know I never thought of joining under my 'real' name on everything - I just kept thinking I didn't have time for it all.  Hum... you've given me food for thought - good food.

Jeff!

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery.

But sadly, my vigilance has paid off many times in the recent past-I mean, not that anyone would want to be me, but there are sure a lot people out there who want to compete low-down. And I do mean low.

Steve

Obeoman

Jeff, Anyone that decides to impersonate me will also have to take Blogging Bertha as part of the package. Any takers? :)

I remember a time when I was known as "Large Marge".  I am glad that time has passed. - With much Honor - Connor MacIVOR (friend and same barber)

I always thought competition was a good thing, but also that abuse, unethical behaviour, or just plain disingenuous actions were not... maybe it is just me, but I find that winning fairly feels much better, and lasts much longer... never the less, realism prevails... we should all watch our backs...

LOL @ BB...Any takers indeed :)

Jeff~ This is becoming more and more apparent isn't it..? One other note of caution is that in the virtual assistant world, sometimes the shady VA's you can find in other countries for $4.00 an hour, can sure do a job on your identity online and off. That's another one to watch out for. Thanks for the reminder, I signed upa Twiiter acct in my name as well:)

Anyone joining a social netork in today's times should not use their real name.

Sincerely,

Michael Jackson

Hi Jeff,

Good info, thanks. I set up a Google alert some time back, and every now and then I get a real surprise where I show up. One of your comments metioned doing the same for your kids and spouse, I thought that was a great idea.

I wonder why people on Twitter don't think it's me?

Michael Jackson....I have got to wonder.

Good point on protecting your name on line.  It is a known fact that people love to mess with others, especially on line, where let's face it, you can be anyone you want to be, which is scary.  I see it done to people on our local town website, it isn't pretty sometimes.

I've been trying to keep up with this RE 2.0 stuff--a lot of it is still a foreign language.

My name is very common and there are several other real estate agents and brokers with the same name.

There is a broker in our MLS who monitors the names of new licensees, buys their "name.com" domain, and then offers to sell it back to them at a 2000% markup. 

He wonders why people don't think he's a nice guy.

Linda,

This person still manages to do business in your area???  That is pretty awful.  We wonder why we are not perceived as "professionals".  That kind of behavior perpetuates the negative connotation.

Well, this is great advice. Of course, someone can do a variation on your name but preventive medecine is still a good idea.  Now I don't feel so bad about that Twitter account that I signed up for but don't use.....

-->He wonders why people don't think he's a nice guy....

Now THAT was hilarious :)

Hi Jeff,

Great Post. It makes sense to take control of youronline identity, but...

1. how do you truly keep up on every new type of social networking medium out there?  and

2. how do you keep people from using variations of your name or alternate user names?

Also, I am guessing that these types of "profile jacking" activities are not technically illegal, so what are your remedies if you are a victim of this?

never thought of regestering out "other" names and brands just to protect them from what we write under.  good idea,  and thanks.

best

Jeff - well this is certainly a good warning to be on the look-out and to take care to make sure we know what is going on out there in terms of our name/profile. You hate to think that someone would stoop that low but given what we observe in the Internet world, it should come as no surprise. Thanks for the cautionary heads-up

Jeff

So now you have given me a REALLY good reason to join everything I can to protect my name. I was already feeling guilty about the places I have just discovered and joined because of the fabulous content on AR, but you gave me the out - just reference them back to my web site. Which is a great strategy in itself to create inbound traffic. As 54 people before me have said, Thanks, Jeff! Briliiant!

I guess it doesn't hurt to keep your eyes open. It's sad to think though that people will get to that level! I guess for some people there are no limits to how far they will go! So, here is a question: what do you do if you find out that someone is using your name to cause trouble? Are there any laws agains it and who and how would you approach this problem?

It's probably not a bad idea to also register with some of the common mis-spellings of your name at the same time.  I wish I had bought the alternate spellings of my name for my domain name too!  ("VickyLloyd.com" leads to a number of porn sites!)

Vicki Lloyd

Vicki - Don't feel bad... my last name is used in a lot of those.

Great and sound advice...I'll have to take over my names!

Thank you, Jeff, I never thought about it.  Better add some Google alerts, too, I only use a few.

Jeff,  Thanks for such a great article and bringing this to the Active Rain communites attention. 

I have been amazed at how malicious others can be and learned this first hand.  I now have an online management reputation company and my lawyer handling the unfortuante situation and all because of a lie someone decided to start just because I ended the business relationship based of her ethics.

My reputation is everything to me and I have had to look for a positive out of this and what I have discovered is how much support I have received from the industry and some new friendships I have made.   

Thanks so much for this article and I only hope that everyone will absorb the information you offer.

I've had to do this more with my You Tube account name, than with my real name. And I have registered on other social networking sites, even though I don't use them. But i haven't gotten them all. So thanks for the reminder. I'd better get to work on the rest of them.

thanks for the info. , nothing is safe anymore!

I always learn something from you...Interesting topic- It just never occurred to my nieve mind that "identity theft" happens in this arena.   

 Thanks- again! 

Scary stuff to think someone could be that vindictive.  These things don't even OCCUR to me until they are nicely pointed out by people such as yourself.  Thank you!

This is something I had never considered.  Thanks for the heads up on this.

Hey Jeff - did you happen to read this article in the NY Times Magazine section. These people create havoc on the web for the sport of it with nothing to gain but adding to world chaos and misery. So sad.

Wow, great information. Everyday there is more to learn and watch out for.

Thanks Jeff

Looks like you have done a big favor to expand the thinking of many! Cool!!!

Jeff - This has been very true too with Myspace aswell.  So many people try to impersonate celebrities or people of importance but I haven't seen any negative damage just posers and copiers.  You are right about protecting your image but the flip side is if people want to copy you, you must be doing something right.

Thanks Jeff, I am always amazed at what one learns and ways people manipulate and try to destroy someone else or whatever...i will pass this on to my clients for sure..as wellas put it into practice .Thnaks again

Good post Jeff, always one to open everyones eyes. 

Jeff This is really frightening, to the point of, is the liability worth it.   There is also a Real Estate brokerage

involved. There could be all sorts of legal issues and legalities.  I only belong to Active Rain.( only since June)

I have always felt AR was more of a protected network, due to the concentration of content.  It also is under the watchful eyes, of the group guidelines and the moderators.  I realize the value of other social networks, even though in the long run it  protects my image.  It's safer to stay away from it all.

but it seems like unsafe waters.

Unless I have the wrong perception the liability,  is more than what the value would be.  Thanks for everything you are doing in Active Rain. Your post are of such extreme value.

PS  after this post I am not even considering another network  Thanks

Thanks for making me think this morning.

Umm. That was me. Not logged in :). More coffee?

Great advice as always Jeff.  I am not sure you eluded to it already, but for those of us that own our businesses, you have to protect not just your name, but your cpmany name and and specific products and services you offer as well.

Jeff, honestly I have never thought of this before.  Thank you for opening my eyes.  I feel overwhelmed at the thought of being on Plaxo and Facebook and AR and linkedin and all of the above, but now I see it is necessary.  Another cool technology is the word alert on google where you can receive an email alert when a name or word is posted on the internet.  Again, thanks for the words of wisdom!!

I dont think, even after reading the first blog about trolls, that I understood the seriousness of it. You definitely know how to open peoples eyes to the real deal. I will definitely keep this all in mind and get to working on protecting myself, my name, and my reputation asap!

This is also important when taken in context of BlogWorld coming up.  RE has been on the leading edge of this in many ways... now colleges are expanding out into the "social media" world to establish a brand for themselves - and EVERYONE must be careful...

I'm just barely learning this tech stuff and now I have to worry about being hijacked!!!! I never thought of that.  Thanks for the information

Have A Great Day

Jeff, thanks for the great information and breaking it  down in terms that a simple guy like me can follow it. In this business reputation and character all have you've got so you must protect it.

There is more Profile/Blog/Ect... HiJacking out there then some may realize. Monitoring your brand and doing all that you can to protect your reputation should be high on everyone's list. Thanks for such amazing information!

Jeff, when you mentioned this at ReBAR in Houston, I decided it made too much sense.  I am spending whatever amount of time it takes to read all of your stuff and soaking up all that knowledge in your head. 

Would you mind waiting until I catch up before you put anything else out?  Thanks!

Amanda, it was so nice to meet you and get a feel for who you are in person. And since I know you a bit better now, I feel comfortable saying this. No. :)

In a virtual world that we currently live in online Marketing and positioning are key to long-term success.  My brand is intact but I do monitor google alerts to check my posts and my local competition.  Thanks for reminding me of the importance!