Online “friend” asking for photos of my garden

[Stormwet]

So a guy started following me on instagram about two months ago and DMed me three weeks ago complimenting my artwork which I post on there. He told me he lives in my area. We have been talking on there since then and he seems pleasant. On Friday we got talking about gardening and how mild the winter has been and I mentioned my bulbs were up early this year. He then asked for photos of my flowers which I find a little strange. Hasn’t he ever seen a few daffodils and crocuses before? I sent him a zoomed in photo of the daffodils and then yesterday he asked if I could send a photo of all the bulbs in a full garden photo. I’m not comfortable with him seeing my whole garden as I’m concerned he only wants to see the garden so he can see the background streets and find out where I live.

Am I being too anxious or is this a proper cause for concern?

Block

first post nails it

to add, don't ever do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. that's your gut telling you that it's not a safe situation. You owe this man nothing

Garden, or lady garden?

ghost him

I don’t mean to be rude op, but I don’t understand why you would meet someone online like this

The thing that gets me is that if he wants to see spring bulbs he can just go to the local park or even just look on google images! That’s why I’m struggling to see it as anything but concerning.

@iwafs I haven’t met him. Just DMing me about art and now gardening.

Had this exact thought 😂

Can't you take a photo of a flower bed (anywhere) and send it to him - is there a way to do this without your location coming up in the photo details?

Do you enjoy emailing this man?

He could have a keen interest in gardening I suppose. A few years ago I was on a delayed flight and started chatting to someone. For a few months, we exchanged emails and many of them were about plants and gardening as it turned out he was a gardener and was really knowledgeable about the easiest plants to grow in different soil conditions.

I agree with other posters though that if you feel uneasy about sending him photos of daffodils, its your instinct and we should always listen to it.

@Bringtheweatherwithyou Yes it’s nice to talk to someone with similar interests but it’s just a feeling inside that doesn’t feel quite right.

Do you think he really lives in your area or even in the UK?

He may not which might account for asking for photos of spring flowers?

But....

• if whatever messaging relationship/friendship is built on lies - what is the point.
• if you're feeling uneasy about him - either because of what he has written or the way he has written it - what is the point.

It could be innocent, a conversation starter, nosiness or for inspiration, but as you feel uncomfortable don’t do it.
Is there an area that would look like your full garden if you took a photo? An old photo perhaps? Even a Google photo to call his bluff and judge his intentions by his reaction. If you do take one then screenshot it first, it’s not traceable that way.
Personally as he’s made you feel this way I wouldn’t respond, our instincts flare up for a reason.

Nope, it’s a really odd request. What was his reasoning for needing to see the whole garden? They’re flourishing flowers, it’s not like they’re climbing up the walls and fences.

Block. Your instincts are probably spot on.

Just block him. It's just weird to demand a photo of all of your garden.

Find a photo of someone else’s garden from outside the area, send that. See if he comments about the bulbs or if he doesn’t recognise it as being in the area, otherwise you’ll wonder.
Then block.

Metadata in photos can reveal lots of information including locations and devices used etc. don't do it. Block or send fake pic of somebody else's garden

Does he really live in your area?
Has he spoken about local things? Local roads/parks/schools/shops?

I think I’d just block this man, we have six senses for good reason. If curiousity gets the better of you, ask him to send a picture of his garden and see if you can see any local identifiable features. It’s very likely hes cat fishing and will be asking for cash to plant his own bulbs or start an art school soon!

He sounds weird.

Separately, there is a way to turn your metadata off, just Google your make of phone and you’ll find how to do it.

Your instinct is protecting you. Block.

Do you have any pictures of him? His profile pic etc?

Have you done a reverse image of him?

He's playing into your interests to keep chatting to you. Gone a bit overboard this time with the bulbs. As you've rightfully suspected, they aren't that interesting.
Do you think he's messaging other men about their bulbs and whatnot?
I can't understand why people engage with randomers online. When men I don't know message me wanting chit chat I just delete the message and/or block.

Is it possible for
Someone to detect their
Location through sending them
An
Original
Picture? I didn't know that!

Block. Most definitely OP.