DEALING WITH HATEFUL TROLLS.

Recently I began a Facebook Group exposing a man who in my oppinion, and the oppinion of many, to be a con artist extraordinaire.

He was brought to my attention while doing research on mid 20th Century Occultism. The man claimed to be an heir to a rather historical Coven of Witches: something he was surely not, he was just trying to catch a sucker willing to pay more for property he inherited. It is a complicated story, and one not to be discussed at length here.

I wished to offer some advice to those of you seeking answers online, and having contact with people you do not know.

Do your research on the person or Group you are wishing to communicate with on social platforms. It's okay to "Google Stalk" the person or Group you are interested in. You may be surprised at what you might find.

Many of us friend people or join groups without engaging critical thinking first. In this digital age a person can claim to be anything they wish. Your answer to their legitimacy may not lay online: It may reside in books. Seriously, do your research.

However if you find yourself the victim of a fraudulent Group or individual, immediately cease contact. They may play on your feelings or emotions, promise to be a King, when in reality they are only a pretender.

Turn your back, block these people or Groups. If they are what they claim to be, they will open and transparent to you. A fraudster or catfish will hide as much of themselves as possible. They may even go as far as attacking you for questioning them. If you begin to see these signs, run away as fast as you can.

Make sure your social profiles are secure, and your personal information is secure. Don't offer it up to someone you just met, or for the public to see. You can also protect yourself from bullies this way.