Spammers

Hi PnQers!

Just a note on spammers.

There have been a LOT of spam/phishing private messages being sent here lately. I wanted to go over a couple of points. It's a Public Service Announcement. (Skip to the end for the short version, if you need.)

1. How to spot a spammer

Sometimes this seems obvious, but spammers and "phishers" can be tricky, especially if you're not used to them. Messages usually seem oddly written, but sometimes the person/bot will act like they know you, which can make things confusing. Be wary of messages that come from people you've never talked to, and who are right away asking you for something, or soliciting you in some way.

Be very careful of messages that contain links, as these will often lead to sites with viruses or other harmful content. Don't click on ANY links unless you are sure that you know the person. And even if the message comes from a trusted friend, it never hurts to confirm it, if the link or message seems odd. It may be possible (like on Facebook) for the spammers to use existing, legitimate accounts to send spam. I haven't seen that happen, personally, but it is a possibility both on this site and other social networks.

Be careful of messages that ask you to provide any personal information like email, address, banking information, Social Security number, etc. There is no Prince in Nigeria who will reward you handsomely for loaning him some money.

Most of the "dating" messages going around are garbage.

2. Why are there so many spammers?

Well, it's the internet, and some of that can be expected, but this site layout didn't help. For a long time, mods were activating accounts by hand, which unfortunately let in a fair amount of spammers. On the positive side, activation emails are now working again, so individuals will have to actually use their valid email addresses to activate themselves. This should weed out a good number (though probably not all) of the bots.

3. What can I do to help?

Please keep complaining on these messages and sending them our way! There are hundreds of thousands of accounts on here, so the best way we can get rid of spammers is to squash them as they appear. If you hit "complain" on a Private Message, we can view the message and suspend the spammer, as well as ban all their attached IP addresses. So thank you to those who have been faithfully sending messages our way! We need your help to eradicate them as much as possible.

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So basically:

1. Be wary.
2. Don't click on any links.
3. Don't provide personal/sensitive information.
4. Complain on PM's, so we can flatten those suckers.

Phew. If anyone has any questions about spammers, feel free to ask!

-Sibyllene

Thanks for the info, Sib!

"There is no Prince in Nigeria who will reward you handsomely for loaning him some money."

Darn it. I was hoping for my lucky break!!

I guess it's probably "lending," not "loaning." Or is it? I don't know.

I think it's "losing"...lol

Most often they ask you to keep a large amount of money for them on YOUR bankaccount for them and the interest you can keep. All they need is your bankaccount number;) This sort of messages were going around decades ago already in my country. I received them often, from the moment I started my first company the guys in Africa knew how to find me. Now I get pm's on here from African girls(??) asking to please send an email to their adress because they read my poetry and want to meet me. I sometimes do and sometimes don't complain, most often I just delete the crap, depending on how much time I have. But if it really is helpful to you guys, I will complain from now on each time I receive one.

Haha, I will start complaining more! XD I have gotten several messages talking about dating and all this other stuff or to send a large amount of money. :P

Thanks on the update/warning. :]

I haven't gotten any money ones, but I have definitely gotten the hot babes looking for love.. tee hee.

Here is an example of a typical kind of spam text:

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Hello.
My name is Lilian i saw your proffle here and admire it i think we can make it together, therefore i would like you to contact me back throug my email address thus: _______@yahoo.com i will tell you more about myself and i will also send you my photo as soon as you contact me back. Hopping to hear from you soonest, UNDERSTAND THAT LOVE IS ONE, Lilian WITH LOVE AND TRUST Love & Kiss. ________@yahoo.com
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This PM was sent in by several enterprising individuals yesterday, and the account was deleted. Thank you!