Bebo addy-service ... pbbt!

[primsong]

Just thought I'd put this here, in case any of you are getting these from well-intentioned folk as I am: They are all worded the same, a request from someone you know using a service called "bebo.com" that updates address books. It invites you to click the link and give your information.

I found this testimony in my searching for info on them:

"I received about 4 of the requests in one day, then more came filtering in over the next two weeks or so. Obviously it’s new, and it’s spreading like wild fire. At first I ignored them, figuring the people who run Bebo just sell all the e-mail address they get (they sure would make a killing out of it). But after awhile, I became curious, and decided I’d sign up because I knew it would be a useful service. As a precaution, I used an e-mail address I don’t use much.

Bebo’s Privacy Policy tries to hide the fact that they use your personal information, but if you read through it it’s plainly written."

Their policy reads (in part):

As a matter of policy, we do not sell, rent or lend any of your personal information to third parties other than in accordance with this policy without your consent. However, the following describes some of the ways that your personal information may be used in the normal routine to provide our range of services to you.

We use your personal information to: troubleshoot problems; measure consumer interest in our services, inform you about offers, products, services, and updates; customize your experience; detect and protect us against error, fraud and other criminal activity; enforce our Terms of Use; and as otherwise described to you at the time of collection.

You agree that we may use your personal information to contact you and deliver information to you that, in some cases, are targeted to your interests, such as targeted banner advertisements, administrative notices, product offerings, and communications relevant to your use of the Site. By accepting the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, you expressly agree to receive this information.

I'm not clicking any myself - I would rather just let folks know if my addy has changed for some reason.

There is no evidence that they are taking over your own address book info for spam, as some worriers posited, but they are being funded by spam to those who click/agree.

Comments

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Ah, thank you. I saw something like this and have been waffling about whether to sign up or not. I didn't quite like the idea of agreeing to so much. I think I shall do as you are doing and not sign up. My address list is not so big that I can't contact folks if my addy changes -- which is unlikely, anyway.

[primsong.livejournal.com]

I've also just found out these are the same folks who run that 'birthday alarm' service that does the same thing. I'm always wary of such things and prefer to crawl through the fine print. :-P

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

thanks for the heads up.

Happy V-Day Prim!

[maidoforange.livejournal.com]

pbbt indeed! Thanks for the heads-up. (((Prim))).

Hello

[faramirgirl.livejournal.com]

(((Prim)))thanks.

I hate those things,I have everyone's addies and if I don't I know how to get it or contact.I think

[syrcleoftrees.livejournal.com]

There is so much you click on and it wont let you out until you click on the deals I spent an hour the otherday trying to get rid of this thing someone sent me about their addresses.BTW if you have to put all that in there for them,duh,I don't get it? If I have already gathered the addresses and keep in contact within the circle,I feel I can find you and you can find me."If I have to do it myself why do I need that?"