Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia

Re: Chat Room

Unless you have criminal intent, for example the intent to steal or defraud or to impersonate a law enforcement officer, I am not aware of any civil or criminal penalty attached to telling lies or misrepresenting your identity in a chat room. In other words you would not want the chattee to pay money, extend credit, make travel arrangements, or take some other harmful or costly action in reliance on your falsehood. Using another's photo may be a copyright violation or a violation of that person's rights. Let your conscience be your guide. If it feels or seems questionable, don't do it.