I haven't had any problems with yahoo groups but I don't respond to junk or spam mail and did open a yahoo account just for this purpose. I now use it for my blog, too so it comes in handy. I am in a few yahoo groups including the local freecycle, some 30s reproduction groups that are no longer active, an auction site and a few sampler groups. As Sandygirl says, I only join groups that screen members and require permission....they seem to do a good job of keeping the psychos off list or deal with them quickly through active moderators. I've given my real name and address without any issues in multiple groups and have traded fabrics without any problems over the years. For freecycle, I generally leave the item on my front porch and let the person know they can pick it up. On the very rare occasions I have picked something up, I asked for the same and/or sent my husband.