Lingle impersonator
chats it up in online forum
The state Attorney General's office is investigating someone impersonating Gov. Linda Lingle on an Internet chat room.
On Thursday the Honolulu Advertiser told the governor's office that someone was posting fraudulent messages in its online discussion bulletin board and responding to other chat room participants using Lingle's name.
The newspaper's webmaster immediately suspended the impersonator's account and removed all discussion "threads" from the online chat room. All records were turned over to the Attorney General's Office.
Lingle spokesman Russell Pang said yesterday that he doesn't know yet if investigators will be able to trace and prosecute the pretend governor.
Though he had seen some of the impostor's messages, Pang wouldn't reveal what they said. "The subject matter is not at issue, just the fact someone was misrepresenting the governor -- or anyone -- online," he said.
In a release yesterday, Lingle said she has never participated in any online chat room discussion.
"Internet bulletin boards can provide a good forum for public discussion on various issues, but the anonymity also can result in fraud and deception," the real Lingle said. "I just caution the people who participate in online chat rooms to use their discretion and to be aware of the legal ramifications of Internet fraud."
Office of the Governor