Should I Give Out My IP Address????

Question

Hello...Recently I met someone online. While chatting, they told me that their computer was not functioning well. They requested that I give them my IP address and said that they wanted to use it to check out their computer and find out what was causing it to malfunction. I don't really know much about an IP address except that I have heard that it is something like a postal address, in the sense that someone can find out where you are just by using that code. I was hesitant to give it out because I don't know what can be done with it. I assumed that it is sensitive information that you don't want to hand to just anybody. Is there any danger in giving out my IP address to someone I have just met?

HEY, ALL OF U GUYS AND GIRLS OUT THERE HAVE BEEN A GREAT HELP....TNX TO EVERYONE FOR UR ANSWERS....I WISH I COULD GIVE A BEST ANSWER TO U ALL.... TAKE CARE

Answer 1

you should connect to a proxy just to f*ck with them

Answer 2

Never give out an IP address to someone you do not know. People can do a scanning for open ports on your computer from your IP address. There are utilities that people can use to "trace" your IP address and can determine where you are geographically located and where information is routed between you and your friend's computer over the Internet.

A potentially dangerous issue is if you are using Windows XP, chances are that the built-in "Remote Desktop Connection" might be enabled and your Windows firewall (or 3rd party firewall program) may not block the connection. Remote Desktop Connection allows remote users to directly access another computer over the Internet just like you were sitting in front of your computer except you are at another location. So be careful if your friend might have asked you to enable such a program or ask you to install a similar program like "RealVNC, UltraVNC, TightVNC, Access-Remote PC, etc".

Answer 3

No you should not, an IP address is a unique set of numbers that identify your Wide Area Network address (WAN) if you are not behind a firewall or any security defences else it would be your Local Area Network address (LAN), your IP address is like your home address. It is extremely unsafe to reveal your IP address to anyone whom you do not trust or if you dont know what you are doing.

Basically your computer is vulnerable as it is (Assuming there is not firewall or anysorts or security features), and if you reveal your IP address, there is a chance of being attacked by an outsider. All they need to initiate an attack is those 4 numbers.

The only instance where your IP address should be given is to an Administrator or someone who you know you can trust.

Answer 4

It is not suggested. The other person can easily check the PC by using any dummy / private IP. the intention can be to get your IP and than hack your PC.

If you want , you can give some different IP and / or change your IP address if you are using local IP.

I also suggest you to start using some firewall and anti hacking softwares.

Answer 5

No Way!!! Online users can use that number to track you. If they managed to but a backdoor on your computer, they can use that to keep tabs on you and hack you when ever they feel like it.
If you have a dynamic Ip adress (it changes everytime you log on) you don't have much to worry about because once log off your ip changes. They no longer have your ip address. However if your ip is static (it doesn't change when you log off) its a problem, because ones he has it he will always have it. To find out what kind of ip address you have contact your internet service provider.

Answer 6

I.P. addresses (Internet Protocal) are like one of those "Hello, my name is" nametags. Your computer's name is a series of numbers and dots, for example... 732.546.456. There is a risk in giving out this information because now he knows your computer's name and could use it to connect to your computer and put a virus on it. If you have firewall software, it will block un-autorized access by anyone else, and won't allow applications to use the internet, unless you give permission. Plus, they don't need your IP address to fix their problems, so they are proably trying to get at your computer.

P.S. IP addresses can also be traced to your house/neighbor hood, here is a trick you can try: go to http://www.local.live.com , click on the "Locate Me" button on top, click on "Use IP address" , this should show you a generalized idea of where you are.

Answer 7

Never trust any person whom you just met online and as much as possible, be cautious about all the information you provide. Try to do your own research re: IP Address so as you would know what information one can get out of it. One sure thing, through it, they can track your whereabouts.

Answer 8

"Revelant" is on cue: NEVER give out your I.P. address. There's good reasons why "Netizens" hide their true identities--and it doesn't have a thing with alter ego/super-hero worship!!

IP addresses, in the wrong hands, can spell out trouble. A good hacker can worm into your computer--espicially if you have DSL and use your hard drive as a server for his/her or it's seedy purposes.

And you wouldn't want the Feds knocking on your door wanting to take your PC as "evidence", now would ya???

Answer 9

In most cases, no. You should never need to give your IP address to anyone on the internet. It's not exactly "sensitive" information, but you wouldn't give your physical street address to any stranger who asked, would you?

Answer 10

If their computer was messed up theres no reason to get your IP address.

Answer 11

Never give out your IP address, they are hackers.