The good news is (I think, hope?) this stuff is created by software 'bots, it's all automatic, it's not like some real person knows anything about you or your possible connections.

This is similar to the current flap about NSA data mining. They have billions and billions (gazillions?) of phone connections. The only thing that goes through all that are computer algo's commonly known as 'bots. If something that meets certain highly classified parameters floats up then a real person might look at it.

When you talk about average folks like us nobody is physically looking at that stuff, it's just various 'bots tied into advertising. I have a friend who is totally paranoid about this, if he happens to mention on the phone he might toke up occasionally he'll stop and say he shouldn't say that like he really thinks somebody is listening in. I try to explain by saying do you have any idea how many people it would take to just randomly listen in to average people and then somehow get to you? Please. Unless you're a legimate high value target to a specific individual or organization, no real person is listening to or reading anything.

Even identity theft isn't that big of a deal unless you're stupid enough to not check your online banking and credit cards every week or so. If you let it go for months then yeah, the first time you find out about it could be when a card is suddenly maxed out or cancelled. If you catch it quickly the bank or card company covers you for any losses.

All these Facebook or Linked In emails about possible connections are certainly annoying but nothing to really get concerned about.

Bob

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