How to Handle Unasked for IM/AIM/ICQ Requests

Do you have onliners you probably don’t know asking to be added to your IM/AIM/ICQ contact list? Some give a first name and some don’t. Since you don’t know for sure if the request is coming from a person that you know, what is the best way to respond? You certainly don’t want to be rude to friends who don’t have the smarts to identify themselves in such a way that you know who they are, right?

It is smart to have your instant messaging set to only allow contact with those on your approved list or they have to ask to be added. That is simply a good practice so you are not inundated by IM spammers or weirdos looking to communicate with total strangers.

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