Before you post.... (also for the experts re: Newbies thread))

catfunt

Hi all,

I posted in a recent thread that it has struck me how much revealing information could be posted, apart from the obvious "me" "I", "myself" instead of "The Driver".

Given that many PPCs read the forums, I think that a much stronger warning needs to be given, and put at the top of the Newbies thread about the sort of possibly revealing info given in posts that risk identifying the case concerned to the PPC.

For example:

Posters using their real name in their username, e.g. if your name is Roger Mellie, having the username "rogermellie123". Use something that couldn't identify you by your real name.

The exact date and time of the parking event. Date is fine, but is it a good idea to state you entered the car park at 10:13am and left at 11:16? Better to state that you entered the car park and left an hour and 3 minutes later. Alternatively, make up the times, but keep the intervals between them the same.

Any reference numbers (POPLA, Vehicle Reg No, PPC case numbers etc etc)

In the event of a court claim or a LBA - stating the exact amount being claimed. I remember earlier this year (I think) someone posting that they received a court claim and put the exact amount of something like £352.17 in the thread.
Next thing we know is that the PPC has PMed the OP saying words to the effect of "we have identified your case, we only have one case with this exact claim amount and this thread will be produced in court as evidence against you".

Maybe a warning to be careful to take steps not to reveal specific info like this should be added to the very start of the Newbies thread under the heading BEFORE YOU POST, though I appreciate that many do post before reading the thread, so adding a line to the effect that "if you have already posted, then consider going back and editing your thread if you've put specific info in, and remove it"

Edited to add: If posting scans of letters, be sure to redact any info as above - in addition, blank out any barcodes or QR codes (the square-shaped pattern codes) which could be sneakily used to ID cases. I've seen a lot of these left on scans and always wondered if it is wise to leave them there.

In summary:
Don't post your real name, including as your username. Avoid posting exact times of posting events, or exact amounts of court claims.
We don't need to know these in order to offer advice.

Thoughts??

Quentin

Why address your comments at "experts"?


Surely your warnings should be aimed at newbies?

catfunt

I've edited the title - fair point.

Yes, my points are aimed at newbies, but this thread will slide down the listings and disappear.

My aim at the experts is aimed at considering whether the points I've raised should be added to "standard" advice.

peter_the_piper

Good advice for all, now that the ppc's are getting more sneaky. Maybe it could be added to the sticky in some way.

Umkomaas

Good thoughts catfunt.

To get this in the main part of the sticky will need Coupon-mad to amend the relevant posts. I'm sure she'll read these suggestions over the next few days.

fb1969

Good post.


In view of a thread on here today (which probably prompted your post) I would also add "do not post any reference number, ie POPLA, Courts, VRN etc, that is involved in any way" or words to that effect.

SailorSam

And the people who are out to catch you out, they only read the motoring section do they ? Is it totally safe to write our full names & addresses in the rest of the forum?

catfunt

The PPCs will trawl this forum and possibly identify cases. It has happened.

Most people coming to post on here for help having got a PCN will be new users.

Redx

SailorSam wrote: »

? Is it totally safe to write our full names & addresses in the rest of the forum?

NEVER do this anywhere on the internet, or as little as possible and only if filling in forms on official websites where you have to give personal details out

anyone who does this on forums or faceache or similar is a fool !

arthurx1234

Yes the experts ask you to post details of your parking incident and then post the ppc's threat letter and your reply, so forewarning your enemy of your "line of attack"
I have lost count of the number of times the experts ask for more information from users desperate for help ie name of ppc, uploading image of letter from ppc and then they inform you to adjust your reply, which has been visible on line for ages,
Brilliant advice, keep it up
Arthur (not my real name) x1234

catfunt

Not if all identifiable info is removed from any letters, or not posted at all, which is my point.

But don't let that get in the way of your usual agenda of having yet another dig at those who successfully help people on this forum.

That reminds me of another thing to watch for - some letters are sent with barcodes and/or QR codes which they may be sneakily trying to ID cases - these need redacting too, which I have added to my orginal post.