It's easy nowadays-thanks to social networking sites like Friendster, MySpace, Facebook, and so forth-to actually know more people online than you do in real life. And just like in real life, online friendships and relationships can vary rather widely; some people are close and others are friends of friends simply offering kind words now and then. Sometimes, like in real life, an online friendship can go bad and an old friend is now someone who disdains you and/or vice versa.

Usually, when a real life friendship turns bitter, we can choose to avoid the person we aren't happy with - but online relationships don't possess the same sorts of barriers to protect you from that person you no longer visiting your websites to spy on you. It can be disconcerting to think about!

Most people who have MySpace stalkers typically contact the site's administrative team and complain, and while the MySpace team tends to be fairly reliable at closing problem accounts they can't prevent your stalker from simply creating another account within a few minutes!

Another option is to hire a professional investigator who specializes in cases that pertain to the internet and defamation. A private investigator, for example, usually are also well-versed in tracing individuals via email, and can help locate and 'out' a MySpace stalker.

Should you decide to hire a private investigator, be sure to do a little background research into the PI's credentials; you can usually do such background research online, incidentally, and you'll discover rather quickly whether or not his or her name is recognized in the field of private investigation.

It's also wise to save and print offending pages so that you'll have hard copies in your private possession that could later be called upon as evidence should matters escalate and the police become involved. In any event, do not intentionally do anything that will escalate the matter, so that if experts become involved you'll have an air-tight case that illustrates you did not do anything to make matters worse for yourself.

If you decide to hire a private investigator to trace and identify a Myspace account holder be sure to do your homework. Before deciding on an investigator or PI agency check to see if they are recognized as experts in Internet investigations and email tracing. Do a Google search on the company and name of the investigator to make sure they are recognized as an expert in Myspace tracing and email investigations.

Last check out the pricing and turn around times for the results. Are they competitive? Beware of companies that are too cheap and offer "instant" searches. This information will almost always be inaccurate and out dated. Be leery if you see a site offering "unlimited" searches for one low price. If it looks too good to be true it usually is.

You don't have to be a victim to a Myspace bully. You have every right to be able to enjoy the Internet and socialize with whomever you wish. But it's important to be careful and safe while on the Internet. That's why it's so important to identify and locate anyone that you consider to be a threat to your safety and well being.