Does proxy servers and IP address altering/hiding software available to the public truly work ?

Asked by Pretty_Lilly (4660

) March 13th, 2010

I have always wondered about people getting caught by the local police for cyber-bulling or stalking (even mean/spicy comments on Facebook to an unwelcome party)
Why didn’t they hide/change their IP addresses or use a proxy server to remain anonymous,do their evil deed and stay out of trouble?
or is it impossible to hide your IP address from the local law enforcement authorities and websites as Facebook,Myspace,Yahoo etc,,etc…

I understand individual making terrorist threads or threatening people’s lives/safety being unable to hide from the federal authorities as that would be a serious crime.

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2 Answers

Yes it works, but it can be traced, though that takes quite a bit of effort. I suppose for low level crimes they won’t bother tracing it.
I think the reason why most do not try to mask their IP is because they are idiots, either they do not know how to, or they think they will not get caught anyway and are just to lazy to do it.

ragingloli (52231

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There are forensic ways to trace your IP address; the question is, have you done something that makes it worthwhile to take the time and trouble. If you just want to websurf more-or-less privately, simple proxies and IP maskers are fine. If you want to commit criminal acts you are nearly certain to be caught if your crime is provocative enough.

dpworkin (27090

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