How can I get the IP address of someone I'm instant messaging, and does it actually identify them?

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So, does this also mean that someone could log-on from different machines, ie from their workplace, and then say an hour later from home, giving different IP addresses, but actually being the same person. If this is the case, it would be even harder to identify that person. There are sites that give the 'exact' location of any given IP address, but on entering mine, are not always accurate, although sometimes frighteningly close. When using Tor, I appear to be at different locations - all over the world. Is it possible that some people can combine Tor (or similar) and their IM application to further muddy the waters?
Andrew, France

Very interesting article I find,no further comments.....

all that is true but, here is something that could be helpfull:
If you want to nkwo the IP of somebody thru an IM system the easiest way is try to send or recieve some file from the other user, this will make a direct connection between the users (this wont work always but most of the times do)
In any case if you dont truyt the person, dont open anything this person send you.
I think is not likely that you will meet 2 persons that are behind the same router. even if you do you can ask the person where is he/she located. if he lies, well he is already not saying the true and is not trustfull anyways...

Leo you give excellent feedback

I used Abika.com and paid $100.00 to have them trace a AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) screen name. They reported back one week later with the physical address and IP address of the computer. Called the address and got the problem taken care of. Believe me, it's well work the money. They send you an official document also to take to law enforcement if you have to.

hello
iv been having problems with my best mates msn account. some1 hacks into her account and starts giing all her friends grief and its no getting out of had. i just want to know how i could find out the ip address this hacker is using so i can pass it on to the right authorities.
please help!!

an unknown person sent me a message in friendster, can i locate where he is, he may be using a home computer

nice article very interesting.i would like to know whether we can just come to know the geographical location of the person we are instant messaging?

http://www.tracemyip.org/
this website works
but how does it work..
if u find answer to this question then i think u can find ip adress of a chatter..
try using this below tool to get some awsome queries on ip adresses http://www.foundstone.com/us/resources/proddesc/vision.htm

Dear ,

Very nice article . But i could not beleive that ip address tracking while using any IM is impossible as there are certian tools available.

With Regards,
Khalid Rauf.

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