15k strangers on Facebook crash teen's birthday party

Turning sweet 16 almost turned sour for a German teen who used her Facebook account to invite her friends to her birthday party - but forgot to uncheck what turned out to be an important option. While the girl from North Germany created a Facebook "event" to invite her friends to her party, she did not notice the "Anyone can view and RSVP (public event)" option was checked by default. "Unfortunately, (the girl's) invite was sent not only to her connections, but to everyone as a public event," computer security firm Sophos said in a blog post. As a result, a "staggering" 15,000 Facebook users had RSVPed for the Friday night party - while some 1,500 people showed up at her parents' home in Bramfeld, just north of Hamburg, Germany. The girl's parents reportedly hired a security firm to help them handle the expected masses, while 100 police officers, some on horseback, were also on hand to help keep the peace. Sophos said that while having the "Anyone can view and RSVP (public event)" option ticked by default is a "great feature" for a promoter or marketing outfit, it is "pretty awful for the half a billion or so home users who use Facebook to stay in touch with their friends and relatives." In the end, Sophos cited media reports that said no serious violence was reported, although more "enthusiastic" partiers vandalized nearby vehicles and set fire to garbage bins and even a garden shed. At least 11 arrests were made, it added. As for the girl, she hid out at her grandparents' house, the report said. "For all you Facebook users out there, let this be a wake-up call. Check settings carefully before you issue invitations," Sophos said. — TJD, GMA News