I had a similar experience with reporting stuff on web sites too. I recieved an e-mail last night from "SouthTrust Bank and Wachovia," asking me to update my information on their web site. I've seen plenty of this stuff before -- it's a common scam known as phishing.

The scam goes like this: an official-looking (but fake) e-mail includes a link to an official-looking (but also fake) web site. You type in your username and password, maybe some other personal information, and hit the "send" button on the page. You are then forwarded to a real (bonafide) official web site, which is just what you would expect to happen next, had you been at a real site all along, and have no idea that all your info was actually sent to some sweaty guy in an NYC motel room, just waiting to spend your money. You have no idea what just happened until you see your bank statement next month and find out he sucked you dry and the guy is long gone, never to be seen again.

Anyway, these things are easy to spot once you know what you're looking for. Usually I just ignore them, but last night I felt compelled to be a good citizen and report these crooks.

So I did some investigative work, found the free hosting service they used, and sent them a friendly e-mail. This morning I awoke to a reply from the company thanking me and letting me know the site was taken down. That was such a good feeling.

These guys were ruthless too, even with the audacity to ask for my address, phone number, credit card information, and SSN. Glad to see them offline. (Though until they're behind bars, they'll probably just try again with a different web host. Sucks.)

-useless"This is even better than helping old ladies cross the street!"ness