Internet trolls are everywhere, a term I learned from my kids. They are most often used to describe those who spread hate on the internet. I'm more worried about people being taken advantage of. It's a real problem, and I'm afraid our shared condition has made us look like easy targets. 

I avoided social media for several years and just recently reentered the cyber world to connect with the Parkinson's community. It's been both comical and annoying how persistent people can be. I've been approached by people messaging saying they were Michael J. Fox, Paul Macartney, and someone claiming to be a crowned prince. All are asking for a video call or other personal information. Fortunately, I wasn't born yesterday. Delete and block work just fine. 

 These people are desperate and don't have anything better to do than prey on people they see as easy targets. Some of these unwanted attempts to contact me have come through other friends' story feeds. That is a dirty trick. Don't be fooled.  Again, I am on social media to connect with my growing network of friends within the Parkinson's community. And to spread awareness. It is common knowledge that the elderly are also at risk of being targeted by this kind of fraud. We, the people with PD. Might also look like easy targets. Most of us are very proud of our advocacy, and we display it openly on our media pages. 

Yes, and these despicable people are convincing. They steal logos from the real deals and have no qualms about using banners and logos from reputable companies to make themselves look legitimate. 

So please be careful who you trust on the internet. Only accept friend requests from people you know and double-check with others if possible. Never give out any personal information, including obvious ones. Don't believe everything you read on the internet. 

Social media is a great place if you're careful. It's better to be safe than sorry.