Some idiot decided to send me a virus. Should I track down his IP to sue him? ?

Question

Some idiot made me download a Codec that was really a virus, and I was stupid enough to click on it and download it. Luckily, my anti-virus destroyed the threat.

Should I sue him for trying to infect my computer? I already have his IP down and I know which city he lives in, I just have to contact his service provider.

Answer 1

I would LOVE to see how you prove he *MADE*  you download anything. Or.. prove that he KNEW it was a virus.  Since your virus checker caught it, you did not suffer any financial damages.

My computer is my responsibility.  Not only is it my job to make sure my security software is current, but also to stay away from cutesy pictures, websites, or anything else that may be a risk to my system. I am also well aware that I better have my system backed up.. since anyone who uses a computer online, SHOULD KNOW what is risky or not.

No one makes you download anything.  

Answer 2

THE INTERNET IS SERIOUS BUSINESS >:-(

Answer 3

You could sue, but you wont win.

If you peruse the suggestion board...you will see the site is trying to get these people removed...

As for being foolish enough to click on a link that you do not know or trust, I DOUBT you'd win a lawsuit that is predicated on you doing something a 13 yr old knows NOT to do....

Answer 4

I'm all for you doing that.  I'd feel no sympathy for such a person who came home to discover that their computer was suffering from major baseball-bat injuries and a note reading "infect this!"

Answer 5

If you can prove he intentionally did it, you could sue, and I would think have a good chance of winning.  

Answer 6

I would definitely contact his server provider.

You may be able to take him to court with the intent to destroy property, but I am not sure.