Spam PM

Duke · 09-09-2007, 10:46 PM

Just out of curiosity, has everyone here (with the exception of staff) received a spam Private Message from one of our newer, inactive members?

I have two alternative ID's here for testing purposes and both of them were spammed with exactly the same message. I'm just curious if anyone else has received a PM from a newer member with 0 posts in the forums?

Thanks

darkangelism · 09-09-2007, 11:34 PM

yeah i was.

Duke · 09-10-2007, 12:01 AM

I'm pretty sure all active members were with the exception of staff members.

PepsiChic · 09-10-2007, 01:08 AM

ii recieved one a few days ago

Duke · 09-10-2007, 01:29 AM

Well I guess I don't really need to ask but I may as well, was it by a user with the name buddha?

darkangelism · 09-10-2007, 01:38 AM

yeah it was, i just ignored the spam

Luba · 09-10-2007, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

Well I guess I don't really need to ask but I may as well, was it by a user with the name buddha?

Yes

Vautrin · 09-10-2007, 10:40 AM

I haven't. But I am staff. I always miss out on the fun.

PepsiChic · 09-10-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

Well I guess I don't really need to ask but I may as well, was it by a user with the name buddha?

yes

TKDLady · 09-10-2007, 07:31 PM

My alternate name was spammed. I think it was from Buddha but I don't remember and I forgot my password and am unable to log on as my alternate name.

Duke · 09-10-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkdlady

My alternate name was spammed. I think it was from Buddha but I don't remember and I forgot my password and am unable to log on as my alternate name.

I'm pretty sure this user just sorted the memberslist by either activity or post count and spammed everyone on that list. Needless to say, this user will be banned when I get home from work tonight.

It also looks like I'll have to add to our spam policy with rules about PM spamming. I can't believe how ignorant some folks can be just to get some traffic or a backlink.

TKDLady · 09-10-2007, 07:48 PM

Some people will do anything as long as they can get away with it. Sorry more work just got added to your schedule.

Duke · 09-10-2007, 10:41 PM

Oh well, at least nobody got hurt out of it. I worry that somebody can just register and send our members a link to something that infects their computers with a virus, key logger, etc.

This has been a bit of a learning experience because spam via our Private Messaging System never even occurred to me. In this case I should have acted sooner because I've seen this user online (as a hidden user) but never paid attention to what he/she was doing.

From now on, I will be paying attention to any user who chooses to be hidden when logged into the site.

BTW, I'd like to add that if anyone here receives anything of a questionable nature either via e-mail, Private Message or some other medium utilizing Lifesupporters.com; please alert me to the issue and DO NOT open, download, or click through links provided. We've seen a definite rise in both new member and bot activity so it's safe to assume that this is just the beginning. Much of the additional exposure will be of a positive nature however, expect an increase of nefarious deeds masterminded by morally questionable people as well.

I also want to add that if you receive e-mail from sales@lifesupporters.com, please, please, please forward it to me. Simply put, this e-mail address is not in use nor does it exist as Lifesupporters.com sells nothing at present. I believe when our server was compromised, somehow accounts were setup to spoof spam e-mail not only utilizing our name but also our server resources.

Conclusion: if it has anything to do with lifesupporters.com and it doesn't feel quite right, it ain't quite right so question it and please make me aware of it.

Vautrin · 09-11-2007, 12:49 AM

Is it possible for Moderators / Administrators to see hidden users? That way we only have to keep track of the sneaky ones.