How seriously should internet death threats be taken?

[SheerMadness]

I got a death threat for the 1st time in my life the other day. It was on facebook. Just wanted to get people's opinions on both my situation and internet death threats in general. Here's my situation:

I got a death threat yesterday from a past member of smashboards (banned right now). I've basically been playing ssb64 with him on kaillera for a number of years now. He's always been one of the biggest trolls and is one of those people that gets pissed for generally no reason quite a lot. Don't know why I ever added him to my facebook but I did. Anyway I was talking **** to him on kaillera the other day, something he's done to me thousands of times. But this time apparently I really got to him, and he send me a death threat on facebook later that day.

He lives in another state, has never met me in person, and doesn't know my address. But he does know my first and last name and city I live in. So basically I want opinions on how seriously internet death threats should be taken. I realize thousands of them probably go down online every day and probably less than 1% of them are ever carried out or even attempted to be carried out. But I'm sure it does and CAN happen.

I think he's probably harmless and all talk but any threat on someone's life should not be taken lightly right? Does anyone think I should do anything about it? Is there anything I can do about it? Anyone been in a similar situation?

 

[SkylerOcon]

This should be taken seriously - especially considering he knows what city you're in and your full name. Report it immediately, just to be safe.

 

[SheerMadness]

Well he doesn't know the actual city I live in. Just the general metro area. Where would I report it anyway? What could my local police possibly to do someone out of state?

Oh and he has a history of sending people death threats. I know of atleast 2 other people he did the same thing to.

 

[Kanelol]

Not seriously at all

There a thousands of people on the internet that I've wanted to kill. People on the internet whom I want nothing more for than for them to live in the constant fear that one day I will swoop out of the void and end their pathetic little existence. But I would never actually do that, I don't give a ****

Unless you did something personal to this dude, there's no reason to worry about it. Unless you think there's some kind of DC sniper situation going on here, which is kind of a paranoid assumption

 

[eighteenspikes]

block him on facebook, stop playing video games with him or talking to him at all, and move on.

 

[El Nino]

You might want to do a search of your name and location to see what turns up in the public record, just to see how likely it is that someone could track you down. Since you've never met him in person, and he lives in another state, you could probably get away with just blocking him and not talking to him anymore. But if, for whatever reason, you feel threatened, you should still report him to the police. Keep a record of what was said between the both of you.

A few years ago, my friend got into some online argument with a guy he kind of knew. The guy made a threat against him, but my friend just ignored it. They didn't know each other that well, and the guy didn't know where he lived. My friend went out for a bit, came back, and found out that someone had shown up at the house looking for him. Turns out the guy from the Internet found out where he lived and showed up at his house. His parents answered the door, said he was out, and that was the end of it. But that same guy had been kind of stalking a female friend of ours, and she finally got fed up and reported him to the police.

The police were kind of confused about how the internet worked. She had to explain blogs, forums, and IMs to them. This was maybe five years ago, so I don't know if cops have finally caught on to the whole intrawebz thing or not.

Edit: Also, there was a local incident a while back in which a shop owner got upset about something a yelp reviewer posted about her business and she managed to track him down using his name and occupation. She showed up at his door, and it resulted in an altercation. No major injuries or anything, but both sides said the other assaulted them, and it may have gone to court. Both of these examples are cases where people lived relatively close to each other though, and it may not apply to you. I would say that if he keeps making threats, that would definitely be a time to call the cops.

 

[theeboredone]

While I myself have not received any death threats of such, I know two incidents that resulted in a party getting in trouble. One incident mainly involved two players trash talking constantly on WoW. You know how it is when someone claims to be something they are not (Big guy, muscles, etc). Well that person was tracked down, beaten up, and the dude never trash talked again.

Another one, I'm sure some of you remember was during the MLG Doritos and splitting incident, someone made a death threat (jokingly) on the boards to the MLG people. Next thing you know, he got in trouble with the law.

Overall, death threats can be very serious, so I would be wise to do what El Nino said, and make sure you're not easy to find through the public records. Afterwards, if you're living with your parents or roommates, let them know about it as well, along with making sure they have a picture to put to the description. That way, if he comes knocking while you're gone, they can call the police.

Good luck though.

 

[Teran]

As if some geek actually has the stones to track you down and kill you, what with making these death threats which will serve as permanent evidence of premeditated murder if he does actually go through with it.

I would report him to the police though, because threats like that are still illegal and you could have some fun ruining his life with a criminal record.

 

[Dragoon Fighter]

As if some geek actually has the stones to track you down and kill you, what with making these death threats which will serve as permanent evidence of premeditated murder if he does actually go through with it.

I would report him to the police though, because threats like that are still illegal and you could have some fun ruining his life with a criminal record.

This .

 

[SheerMadness]

Like I said I'm sure there are thousands of death threats made over the internet every day and maybe like .001% are ever carried out or even attempted to.

But there's always that chance that you found that .001% wacko out there that might be willing to carry such things out.

Anyway I'll probably just ignore it. Tempting to report him to the police but I don't think that will have any affect.

 

[Teran]

It will have an effect. A death threat is a very serious crime, and thanks to it being on facebook, it is there as hard data.

 

[Vinylic.]

This should be taken seriously - especially considering he knows what city you're in and your full name. Report it immediately, just to be safe.

Overall, SkylerOcon's post is the best tip in this thread. I suggest you'd do that.

 

[Teran]

The police tried to take me away for making a death threat when I was under the age of 10 over the phone to some random I was pranking. :x

Even though under the age of 10 a child has absolutely no criminal responsibility where I live.

Man after my mum sorted that out she probably could've killed me. o.o

Just goes to show death threats are srs bzns to the extent where a prepubescent boy under 5ft can get threatened with THE BUSINESS.

 

[Grandeza]

I like Teran's suggestion of ruining his life.

 

[Teran]

Although the flipside to that is that he could genuinely be motivated to kill you, rather than it being trashtalk.

 

[Sim]

Report that ****

I don't make death threats. He made one? He gets what he deserves.

Survival of the fittest.

 

[theeboredone]

Just report it anonymously. I'm sure he's made a death threat or two in his life time. I would wait a while though, just so he can't instantly link it to you.

 

[Vinylic.]

Death Threats aren't the only problem. Cyber-Bullying damages your computer, and your life.
Anything related to these two should be reported anonymously, and immediately, Even if it's not so serious.

 

[Vigilante]

I say report it, and make sure you don't post anything relating to your identity. You can even track someone with IPs these days.

That guy is obviously not well in the head. Even if he didn't have the means to get to you, if you got him caught, you might help others. I don't think it's likely that this person will do anything, but don't take risks with your life.

I had crazy street punks after me and racist English Canadians try to kill me before. They use Internet as a tool. I think a little vigilance never hurts. Don't panic, it's probably nothing, just cover your back in case.

Besides, that person needs to be punished. This is a criminal offense .

Even though under the age of 10 a child has absolutely no criminal responsibility where I live.

As expected from Mount Trollympus.

 

[Eccentricities]

This person didn't go by the name of "Gammelnorsk", did he?

You can either report it, or wait the scenario out. Doesn't seem like that serious of a deal.

 

[Judo777]

Oh wow people are dumb. Really? A death threat over a game? Wanting to kill someone over something they said on the internet? Instead of people trying to track down others to get revenge maybe they should instead track down a psychologist because they obviously have a hand full of social disorders.

People should not take other people seriously over the internet. If people really get that angry over what is said on a forum then they need to give it a break because they obviously can't handle being in an environment where people intentionally say things to make others mad.

On a side note. I doubt the threat is legit but I would recommend you just block the guy and don't interact with him anymore.

LOL btw of people having so little of a life that they can afford to go and track someone down that made fun of them.

 

[Vigilante]

Oh wow people are dumb. Really? A death threat over a game? Wanting to kill someone over something they said on the internet? Instead of people trying to track down others to get revenge maybe they should instead track down a psychologist because they obviously have a hand full of social disorders.

People should not take other people seriously over the internet. If people really get that angry over what is said on a forum then they need to give it a break because they obviously can't handle being in an environment where people intentionally say things to make others mad.

On a side note. I doubt the threat is legit but I would recommend you just block the guy and don't interact with him anymore.

LOL btw of people having so little of a life that they can afford to go and track someone down that made fun of them.

Yeah, what fools. I know where you liiiiive.

 

[Fuelbi]

I would report him to the police though, because threats like that are still illegal and you could have some fun ruining his life with a criminal record.

Best idea.

Thank God if any troll person on the internet wants to kill me, it'd be literally almost impossible because my name is so ****ing generic for a Hispanic that you'd have to go through about 20 people with the same name as me before you'd find me

 

[eighteenspikes]

block him on facebook, stop playing video games with him or talking to him at all, and move on.

umm quoting myself here. the problem is not that this kid is going to kill you or that he needs to get arrested. the problem is that you willingly associate with degenerates and you need to make positive changes to your own life instead of going passive aggressive vigilante after you befriended a mental infant.

 

[Vigilante]

umm quoting myself here. the problem is not that this kid is going to kill you or that he needs to get arrested. the problem is that you willingly associate with degenerates and you need to make positive changes to your own life instead of going passive aggressive vigilante after you befriended a mental infant.

What's wrong with being a vigilante?

Well, it is true that ignoring people is often the best solution to many problems, XD.

 

[Master Xanthan]

I don't like taking risks, so I'd report him. While there is a low chance the threat means anything, there is always that chance of it actually meaning something.

 

[theeboredone]

That guy is obviously not well in the head.

That's definitely a possibility, but I think it more has to do with how they were raised, where they were raised, and what their overall lifestyle is. I mean for example, a black guy born in the ghetto, forced to live a hard life would be more known to make aggressive and life threatening remarks opposed to a black guy living in a suburban area. It's just a simple comparison, but I figure a lot of people who trash talk or make threats like that over the internet have something missing in their lives.

Or as the common folk say, "dude needs to get laid".

 

[DMoogle]

Quick Google search says go to your local police station to report it, or report it via http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

Definitely don't let it slide. Even if you think there's little actual threat to your physical well-being, by reporting it you'll be protecting others from harassment and cyber-bullying in the future, thus making the world a better place.

EDIT: Additional resources: How to respond to internet harassment and law enforcement contact page.

 

[th3kuzinator]

Freaking gav

 

[SheerMadness]

I talked to him. Sounds likes he genuinely didn't mean anything by it and just wanted to scare me or some ****.

I'm not gonna report him. But I let him know that death threats are serious crimes which he says he didn't know. So hopefully he won't send one ever again.

 

[Teran]

I talked to him. Sounds likes he genuinely didn't mean anything by it and just wanted to scare me or some ****.

I'm not gonna report him. But I let him know that death threats are serious crimes which he says he didn't know. So hopefully he won't send one ever again.

Finds out death threats are srs bzns

Loses spine

Sounds like vintage internet to me.

What I tell you?

 

[SheerMadness]

Well I stated in the first post that I knew the odds of someone actually attempting to carry out an internet death threat are astronomical. I wasn't really planning to report it from the start I just wanted opinions on it.

People get pissed and send death threats over the internet all the time. They just gotta realize threatening someone's life is a felony and a serious federal crime. No one should take threats on their lives lightly. Cause we all know there are wackos out there that are willing carry out such threats.

But yah hopefully were good now.

 

[theeboredone]

Well better be safe than sorry.

 

[eighteenspikes]

SOOOOoooooooooooo.... you're never talking to him again, I hope?

 

[theeboredone]

Yes, a very sad sight to see friendships end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJMt_j4-0I4#t=46s

 

[#HBC | Red Ryu]

Over a video game he does this? What an idiot.

Report him to the police like others are suggesting.

 

[t3h Icy]

Finds out death threats are srs bzns

Loses spine

Sounds like vintage internet to me.

What I tell you?

Raaaaaape!

 

[ETWIST51294]

Lemme guess who the person is sending death threats.

Smasherx74?

Novasmash?

 

[The Star King]

Smasherx74 isn't around much anymore. Probably Novakane. Especially since I've seen him talk **** about Sheer.

 

[ETWIST51294]

I knew it was either one of the two, I got banned cuz of those tards.