Profile Posts vs Private Messages

[WSnyder]

I have noticed that many users have been using profile posts to reply to someone their desire to purchase something along with posting mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Profile posts are public for all to see and that means you just gave all of your info to the scammers. Please learn the difference between a profile post (public, open to be seen publicly) and a direct message (private, not publicly seen).

Profile Post = available to be seen by anyone

Direct Message = private communication been you and the person you wish to communicate with

 

[hogpatrol]

I wish the boss would just do away with profile posts. The ones with personal info just scream "SCAM ME"!
Other sites/forums I peruse explicitly forbid public posting of any personal info.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I didn't even know profile posts were a thing until you posted this.

 

[AlNyhus]

On a related note, I've recently had two instances where a PM sent to me didn't show up as an alert on the little envelope icon...so I had no idea there was a PM I hadn't seen.

After explaining what happened, one person was understanding. The other one...not so much. I offered to call him and chat about his question but he never responded.

 

[NorCalMikie]

The other one...not so much. I offered to call him and chat about his question but he never responded.

Guess he didn't want to talk to that much anyway??

 

[mtncwru]

I have noticed that many users have been using profile posts to reply to someone their desire to purchase something along with posting mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Profile posts are public for all to see and that means you just gave all of your info to the scammers. Please learn the difference between a profile post (public, open to be seen publicly) and a private message (private, not publicly seen).

Profile Post = available to be seen by anyone

Private Message = private communication been you and the person you wish to communicate with

Agree that disabling it by default would be a welcome change, but in the meanwhile I was able to turn it off for me. Steps I took:

1. Click on your member name in the upper right corner.
2. Select "Privacy".
3. Change "Post Messages on your profile page:" to "Nobody".
4. Click Save.

If anyone wants to try and test that for me, feel free :-D

 

[tred1956]

I just deleted all the post on my profile that had personal info of others. Even though I didn't post them I was able to delete
Safe shooting
Doug

 

[Krogen]

Agree that disabling it by default would be a welcome change, but in the meanwhile I was able to turn it off for me. Steps I took:

1. Click on your member name in the upper right corner.
2. Select "Privacy".
3. Change "Post Messages on your profile page:" to "Nobody".
4. Click Save.

If anyone wants to try and test that for me, feel free :-D

Thank you. I have also seen private info posted in profile posts. I just turned it off for my account thanks to your instructions.