Genealogy Chat

I have just received a request to allow my tree. There is no other info. in the message and while I am quite happy to allow the tree to anyone who thinks they may have a connection with it I feel uncomfortable about this one. Am I being overly suspicious? Can the information on the tree be mis-used in any way? Regards, Penny.

Hi Penny, I would personally not allow till I have more info off them I have had no trouble opening my tree to people but every one who has asked me have always told me who they are interested in before hand. After reading a couple of threads on here I see that there are some people that are not to be trusted asking people to open their trees. So tread careful and follow your instinct. It is your tree so you can allow who you want. Germaine

Penny. If they dont say who they think they are connected to I would NOT show my tree. Always ask for more info and ask where they think the connection is and some dates and places. I would try and find a connection with info they supply before I would open my tree. I have heard of to many being pinched...

Thank you all for the advice - my thoughts entirely. Will ask for more info. Regards, Penny

I had a contact yesterday, the person has allowed me access to their tree but it has only half a dozen names in it, not including the person he is asking about. So I've asked for more information before going further.

I agree with the others, I think the majority of people on here are great but there is obviously a minority. I have recently changed my 'title' as I was worried at having my full name on here for all to view. Can't imagine what they would do with it but now I feel more comfortable.

Yes, the information can be mis-used. I would ask for information as to how the person thinks you could be connected. Joy

Penny, If you have any living people in your tree at all you should never allow someone access to it. Crista

I've had requests from people who I've confirmed are not related! I've also had a few who haven't even asked if they are related. I just delete the requests. If someone can't be bothered mailing me to ask a simple question, then I can't be bothered letting them see my extensive tree (it's highly likely that they only have 3 people in their tree anyways lol)

Penelope, I have had three such requests this week, have messaged them for info on who they are interested as yet no reply. I agree with everyone ask for more info first you cannot be too careful. Wendy.

I've simply stopped responding to 'show me you tree' messages that contain no explanation about why the requestor is looking for the information. Its a waste of time. In a few instances there has been a follow up message from the same requestor with more information (in other words, they have figured out for themsleves that they need to be asking a specific question), and I do respond to those messages. Cheers, Bill Sydney, Australia

When we started this project a few weeks ago, my sister and I made the decision not to allow anyone access to our tree. This is not because we are being rude or don't want to share info but because of security. It present we don't have another programme, so all our info is going straight onto GR including full names, mother's maiden names, dates of birth etc (all the personal details used by banks etc to prove who you are). If we know there is a definate connection then we have no problem sharing info but would prefer to send the relevant info by email. I had to refuse someone this week & I felt awful but I hope the lady in question understood. When I get a seperate programme then I will remove all current data so I can be more accomodating to other GR members. Dawn x