I got a letter from the RIAA


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I don't think that ISP's log MAC addresses, especially if your using dynamic IP.

For that matter are you on a dynamic or a static IP address? If its dynamic your ISP could have made a mistake with who was connected to that address at that time. Or someone could be using your internet account, by hijacking your log-in info. Try changing your password.

Do you have a public FTP server on your connection?

Could it have been hijacked, or used in anyway for illicit distribution?

Are you firewalled / Virus Scanned and Spyware scanned (all on latest dats?)

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Dude, in America, you have the right to a fair trial. So in that, you have to be assumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Now before a trial, it has to be proven that there is grounds for a trial. And this is where EVIDENCE is first mentioned in the procedings.

Sod the letter, ensure you were not using any P2P software, you'll be fine. In my honest opinion, you will hear no more about it.

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it sounds like your ISP sent you a letter and not the RIAA.....

I highly doubt that an ISP would start giving up its own customers unless they were in some way threatened by the RIAA.

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I'm calling Bright House Networks as I type to ask them what grounds does the RIAA have to get my info as in what are you providing them with such as do you log what I downloaded. She is telling me that their (BHN) records don't show any logs since my account that show the use of P2P software and says shes sorry but they have to send out the information. She also said that they would get in touch with the RIAA to find out more of what they have on me. She also said that they as in Earthlink has only been logging this kind of stuff for no longer than 6 months if at all as far as what she has been told so that puts me out of the loop so to speak. I don't have a clue where to start with this.

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I personally think that you should publicize your Dilemma, because it will create doubt in the public about the RIAA's efforts. For example, here we have the RIAA zealously sueing people who share songs, but now they are sueing individuals who are innocent and do not take part in the file sharing community.

You should heavily publicize this, make it has big as the dumb Star Wars kid, that ought to get the RIAA off your toes for a little bit. And a lot of offers from lawyers who would be willing to protect you in this case (for a little money of course).

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I suggest you try to post your question on http://www.unitethecows.com or http://www.zeropaid.com

These are file sharing portals, someone might have experienced the same thing you did.

Also, you should check out http://www.eff.com, The Electronic Frontier Foundation.

"EFF is a non-profit group of passionate people ? lawyers, volunteers, and visionaries ? working to protect your digital rights."

You might get more info/help there.

RIAA and their crusade against P2P users bug me.

And if they go after innocent people, it bugs me even more...

But as far as I know, the letters from RIAA always contain information on what username/ip has been used, and what files have been shared.

If your ISP has reacted against you, it must be based on a letter like this, and you have a right to see that letter.

Good luck.

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I don't think that ISP's log MAC addresses, especially if your using dynamic IP.

For that matter are you on a dynamic or a static IP address? If its dynamic your ISP could have made a mistake with who was connected to that address at that time. Or someone could be using your internet account, by hijacking your log-in info. Try changing your password.

Do you have a public FTP server on your connection?

Could it have been hijacked, or used in anyway for illicit distribution?

Are you firewalled / Virus Scanned and Spyware scanned (all on latest dats?)

Actually, ISPs do keep track of MACs. Well, my last two ISPs did anyway..

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I just called my ISP to ask if they sent me this letter and they say they don't show anything being sent out to me. I also asked them if theres any way to tell your official letter apart from a false. They use a type of watermark/seal on their official letters that lets say I couldn't find what she was asking me to find.

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I just called my ISP to ask if they sent me this letter and they say they don't show anything being sent out to me. I also asked them if theres any way to tell your official letter apart from a false. They use a type of watermark/seal on their official letters that lets say I couldn't find what she was asking me to find.

Dude, whre do you live?

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I type in my IP address at EFF.org and it sayed your lucky and no match but I don't think my current IP address was the same one. Also I can't think of who could do something like this to me. The letter looked real and it had a yellow and a pink copy with it (with the the yellow taken off) and It came in a similiar envelope that BHN uses. The envolope says its presorted first class and mailed from zip code 68810 on JUL -25'03. Does BHN have a presence in that zip. I'm looking right now. I'm used to the look of the bill and I've never gottan a letter before from them so I don't know what they usually come in and where.

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I type in my IP address at EFF.org and it sayed your lucky and no match but I don't think my current IP address was the same one.  Also I can't think of who could do something like this to me.  The letter looked real and it had a yellow and a pink copy with it (with the the yellow taken off) and It came in a similiar envelope that BHN uses.  The envolope says its presorted first class and mailed from zip code 68810 on JUL -25'03.  Does BHN have a presence in that zip.  I'm looking right now.  I'm used to the look of the bill and I've never gottan a letter before from them so I don't know what they usually come in and where.

I'm confused. When you talk to the rep, does she say that you're being accused by the RIAA for "sharing" mp3s? If she does, then I wouldn't be concerned with the validity of the letter that you received.

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I don't understand how some people argue an ISP keeping track of Which customer has which IP at any given time. Even if you have Dynamic IP, Logs will clearly show which customer matches which IP at any given time.

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it would be said if a friend was playing cruel joke on you..

Any logos or a masthead on that letter? What is the return address of the letter? MLapointe you gotta scan that letter, take digital picture of it and post here....

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I don't understand how some people argue an ISP keeping track of Which customer has which IP at any given time. Even if you have Dynamic IP, Logs will clearly show which customer matches which IP at any given time.

I wonder if ISP's do keep a log of the IP address history. Depending on the lease, that log can get huge.

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I personally think that you should publicize your Dilemma, because it will create doubt in the public about the RIAA's efforts. For example, here we have the RIAA zealously sueing people who share songs, but now they are sueing individuals who are innocent and do not take part in the file sharing community.

You should heavily publicize this, make it has big as the dumb Star Wars kid, that ought to get the RIAA off your toes for a little bit. And a lot of offers from lawyers who would be willing to protect you in this case (for a little money of course).

Word,

Become the Moses of PHP,

Be like "Let my people go"

Honesty I believe this is an empty threat on you. You Don't have anythign to worry if you are truly innocent. They could make up false usage statistics but your isp will be on your side, since it would be unwise to **** off the paying customers.

When this all pans out for the good, write an editorial to CNN, and if you feel too lazy to, maybe a fellow neowian will help.

:happy:

Don't worry dude, you got nothing to worry about.

Actually the RIAA is basically using scare tactics on the public anywyas, This is probably another ploy to stop people. Maybe there are other incidents of this, and if enough can be found we can basically assume it is, a scare tactic.

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It has no return address on it...The RIAA asked me for my name and address to see if they sent out anything and he put me on hold and came back and said we don't show you in our files and asked me to mail the letter to them and make a copy for myself and they are going to find out who is doing this via the post office. I don't think they want this happening. He also did tell me that they are focusing on sharers not downloaders unless your a 1000 a day downloader. He did tell me don't try this at home now and a serious but funny joke. Well I think I'm been played like a fool but I don't know who would do such a thing.

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Yet another screw-up of the RIAA.

Glad I live in the UK ;)

Looks like no one is safe...

Because piracy has no national boundaries, RIAA announced a new initiative with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry in the Fall of 1999. As part of this coordinated global strategy, recording companies and associations worldwide will work together to ensure that music piracy does not escape detection by crossing borders.

RIAA

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Now I feel like an ass in front of neowin. Now I do start to wonder what hackers could actually do ya know. Man it just looked so real I still can't get over it.

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Well I think I'm been played like a fool but I don't know who would do such a thing.

An A$$,

I don't think ANYONE woudl pull such a cruel joke, nor woudl anyone have the time. But then again, maybe your friends are "really funny guys" ... :laugh:

Do any of friends big KAZAA users? if not you can elminate the cruel joke possibility

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MLapointe, try checking to see if they have another group that would handle such cases at your ISP. Perhaps not everyone at the company is in the know.

If it is someone playing a joke, then you should question whether he/she is a friend. This is far from funny if you ask me.

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I do have a few techs at BHN (for digital cable) that I've ****ed off over time as far as adding new channels or getting a better HDTV box and getting DVRs and I did switch to DirecTV about 3 months ago. I do remember one guy who came out that really got ****ed at me. I did complain about him after he left my house. Maybe it could be someone there.

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like i said

it would be said if a friend was playing cruel joke on you..

Look at the envelope, it should have a red round stamp on what post office processed the letter. It will tell you the date and town where the letter originated from.

Do send it to the RIAA so that they can go after that person for forgery....

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I have to say that over the last three years I've bitched and complained to BHN or TWC then about them not adding CBSHD and lets just say I wasn't exactly the nicest guy but not cursing or anything.

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