I use my nick name and my mothers maiden name. Of course, after a few letters, I fess up to my pals. It isn't in fear of them that I do this.

I have, over the years, received letters from the prisons about an inmate I was writing. The letters were more or less letters telling me to be cautious. In lieu of that, and then what XRay touched on, not knowing who could be looking over their shoulder, I address all letters the same.

None of my pals have an issue with this. They all know the truth, and respect my decision to not have the prison keeping personal tabs on me, and for the not knowing whose hands the letters could fall into.

Do what makes you feel comfortable.

__________________

Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes, that is another thing to consider...what if your address or name gets into OTHER hands of prisoners in the prison. Anyway...thank you very much for the interesting replies.

I agree with Texas Guy. Use a PO Box to keep it safe but be honest with him/her. You may decide after a while to become friends at some point and if that happens how will you pal ever trust you if he/she finds out about the false name? I am not trying to disrespectful to anyone here but I think it is best to keep with the truth if you expect the same in return. Maybe is I was female i would see it different? Again, not trying to offend anyone, just sharing my opinion.

LawDog are you out there?

Shonnie, hi.
I am 'careful' too - i use my first name, and a PO Box. nothing has ever happened to me. what 'type' of person are you planning on writing to that you seem to b stressing sooo much? if he/she has done something really really terrible, he/she will b in for a long time to come, and probably has far more to think about than 'getting at you' babe, we are all trying to do something to help, but if you are really worried, maybe hold it off a while until you are comfortable doing it... we will still b here!!

I have to agree with TexasGuy also. When i first started writing my pals i got a P.O. Box and used my real last name but used my middle name as my first name (ok lame i know but it made me feel more comfortable)After months of writing and getting to know these guys all 3 of them have my home address, my real name and phone number. Hell to be honest i trust them alot more then i trust some people on the street. You will see as you get to know some of these inmates you will realize they are really genuine good people who made some really stupid mistakes. Of course there are some bad apples but for the most part i think alot of them have good souls. :-)

Using a pseudonym (false name) might be frowned upon by the prison administration, but from a legal standpoint, it is not prohibited as long as the use of a false name is not intended to commit a fraud upon another.

Much will depend upon how the prison regulations treat such things.

THANK YOU.

Remember also..if you ever plan to visit or see this PP.or send books.You are going to have to come clean. My question is... what if your PP started out not being truthful in their first letter...and the same.letter after letter ..hmmmmmmm I know myself...I can't stand anyone who lies...I would have real trust issues. Just my feelings

I agree with Texas Guy and Scott and I am a female...I say, Don't flatter yourself..The chances of someone seeking you out is slim..and if you are out of the USA..PINCH YOURSELF!