Genealogy Chat

i am trying to trace my dads' family in Ireland and getting nowhere fast, so i put an ad. in the local newspaper there asking if any one knew them and i received a reply from a man who doesn't know them but is willing to be my "link" over there and will help me if i send him the info. i have, I have his name, address and e-mail address, at least the ones he gave me but how do i know if he is genuine or not? What would you do? Any help much appreciated Tricia

I would probably be a bit wary, although thinking about it i would probably also have offered to help, as he has! I would say don't give out all details yet, maybe exchange a few mails first. Isn't it awful how we have to be today? Hopefully your irish connection is just your average genealogy freak!

Thanks for your views Lisa. I think i will stick to contact via snail mail rather than give my e-mail addy. Tricia

Tricia, Personally, I feel that an e-mail address is "safer" than telling him where you live. Janice

Why don't you arrange to email him once a month/week whatever to see what he has found for you. I wouldn't give out your home adddress just yet to a complete stranger unitl you are sure He is genuine . KIM

Hi All, Thank you all for your advice, unfortunately he already has my home address, the paper in their wisdom put it in the paper for all to see. I think i may contact by e-mail and see how it goes. Thanking you again tricia

Hi Amanda, I just find it sad that we are all so wary nowadays because of a small minority of people, this man may well be genuine and i am thinking there must be something wrong with him (psycho. paedophile or just plain loony) to want to help me. Thanks again for your views. Tricia