Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
Many people are getting messages from Tagged indicating that a friend has posted photos. Here's a clue: they didn't.
This is less of a question than it is a warning about what many believe is malware or a scam, but is more closely related to simply super-aggressive and perhaps deceitful attempts to hook you in to some kind of social network.
No, no one sent you pictures on Tagged, and contrary to the "they may think you said no" guilt-trip, it's more likely that they had no idea that the email was sent in their name.
And likely without their knowledge (though whether or not it was with their "permission" is one for the lawyers to figure out).
And yes, as I understand it, lawyers have become involved.
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In my opinion, you just shouldn't go there. Just ... don't. I treat all email from Tagged as spam.
Here's what probably happens...
Like you, your friends receive an email from friends of theirs, like the invitation above. Wanting to see the pictures (of which there are none, but they don't know that yet), or not wanting their friends to "think you said no", they click the link.
First, they have to register.
Somewhere along the way, they're invited to share their email account on another service, like Hotmail, Yahoo or others. Perhaps even supplying a password.
That's when the fun begins.
Apparently, Tagged goes out to that account, logs in as you, reads your address book...
...and sends email to all your contacts telling them you've sent them photos on Tagged.
Which, of course, you never did.
It's actually possible that if you register for Tagged (so you can see your friends photos - you know, the ones that don't exist)), in the fine print of the terms of usage that you sign up for you've actually given Tagged permission to do exactly this.
So, is it illegal? Maybe, maybe not. We'll let the lawyers argue it out.
Is it malicious? Well, it doesn't attempt to install malware, or misrepresent much of anything other than your friend having photos when they do not, so - maybe, maybe not.
Is it slimy and annoying and spammy?
H*** yes.
Don't fall for it.
The real lesson here is to always view these kinds of invitations as suspect. If there's anything that seems suspicious about it, ask your friend directly before acting on the invitation. Tagged is not the first to attempt this, nor will they be the last. Make sure that the site is reputable, legitimate and that you're also not actually dealing with a phishing attempt.
Technically Tagged is neither spam nor phishing, and might even be legitimate, but in my opinion it certainly fails the "reputable" test.
Article C3756 - June 8, 2009
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
On several different occaisions I have received a message: "You've been tagged" and "Someone has tagged you" I had no clue who would have done that, so I just deleted it. Now I'm really glad I did.
Posted by: Patricia Rochester at June 10, 2009 8:45 PMNote to Miklo: You really have an abrasive comment. You sound like the time worn "Mr. Know-it all" and the "Holier than Thou" attitude you portray is basically a turn-off. I'm surprised you have any friends who would want to share pictures.
Yes, I got tagged...now I want to know how to get untagged....
Posted by: RODGER BARTLETT at June 10, 2009 10:34 PMThank you Patricia Rochester for you comment to Miklo, i was about to post the same comment, some of the "newbies" in the internet world,sadly,have to learn the hard way. Every new pc should come with a subscription to "Ask Leo" installed to teach them how to navigate the internet safely.
Posted by: Marie Leclercq at June 13, 2009 6:48 AMI rec'd two of these just this past week. They were in the name of a co-worker who doesn't usually use the form of her name that was used, in previous e-mails. It just seemed odd, so I waited until I saw her. Her clueless reaction strengthened my resolve that they were at the very least spam. It was just so timely to see it mentioned in the newsletter. Thanks.
Posted by: Kathleen Drotar at June 14, 2009 4:56 PMIf someone could please educate me on the "INS and OUTS" of tagged I will greatly appreciate anything you share. My gf swears she did not create a Tagged account/profile and that she has never "added" or "invited" anyone to be a friend. Yet I can see 41 friends mostly with pictures on her profile. Also if I go to these friend's profile, there is my gf listed as a friend of hers. Maybe a little hanky panky going on here, but I have read so much now about similar problems in Tagged, I don't know what to believe or not. Girls will be girls sometimes, but she deserves the benefit of doubt. HELP !!!!!!!
Posted by: John Gaillard at August 16, 2009 9:13 AM