How do you all suppose I should handle this?

[EricaJoy]

I have a site (one of many) that gets 1000 unique visitors per day, at least, without advertising it. An owner of a website contacted me in attempts to get me to advertise for his site. I wasn't too keen on it, so I passed.

3 months later, I get word back that this site owner is floating rumors regarding my sexuality as well as stating that I'm a stripper. I disregard it and correct anybody who comes to me with questions/accusations.

That was about 6-7 months ago. Fast forward to now.

I started getting multiple messages about my email advertisement to design their webpages. Funny that, I never sent such email. One person replied to the email. The sender went so far as to spoof my email address and advertise my site designing services yet linking them to their own site. The site? You guessed it, the one the site owner was trying to get me advertise for.

After some research in how I could handle this and some Googling I came to realize something...this site owner is a Senior Member of vBulletin.org that has had previous ummm issues here before. So, should I attempt to contact the site owner and request they cease and desist? I was thinking of what I could do as far as legal action re: identity fraud/theft but I don't know that a precedent has been set for a such a case like this. I don't if its that or just plain old harassment. Either way, do any of you have any ideas in what measures I should take?

Thanks in advance!

[BigIke]

I don't really know what actions you could take but thats a pretty sleazy thing to do. I'm sure the guys here will help you with what avenues you need to pursue. Hope you get him and take him down

[Erwin]

Contact this person directly and find out what is going on.

[EricaJoy]

I'll try that again, but last time I tried that, it resulted in nothing but him calling me names etc.

[Chris M]

Point out to them that they are in fact breaking the law - I think their tune will change...

Satan

[EricaJoy]

Well, I got the full headers of the email today. The persons identity has been verified. I will contact them before going to their ISP.

*Edit to add* Hey there's a hidden reply in this thread. Cool!

[EricaJoy]

Attempts to resolve this peacefully were unsuccessful. Person has suggested I'm slandering his name and he will be taking legal action. On to the ISP.

[Erwin]

Originally Posted by princessfrozen

Attempts to resolve this peacefully were unsuccessful. Person has suggested I'm slandering his name and he will be taking legal action. On to the ISP.

Inform the ISP and host. (Disclaimer - this is not formal legal advice. I recommend you seek legal advice if you feel it is required. )

[kobescoresagain]

I think Erwin has some good recommendations especially " recommend you seek legal advice if you feel it is required." I think that is what I would do if the problem continues.

[Chris M]

Slandering his name?

Hah thats funny - And what he is doing to you is nothing of the sort, of course

As far as I am aware you have done everything to protect the identity of this person from the public as to prevent them from being treated in the manner you were - Any legal action this user will be taking is defending himself in court if you persue a legal course - I recommend doing so, and I will even be your lawyer if you want - I have no legal standing, but I would so love to verbally rip apart the little snot-nosed punk in a courtroom

Satan