Warning: Linked forum scams

[TDG]

There has been a rather nasty person posting under several accounts and IPs links to fake login pages. Please: do not click any links posted by anybody you cannot trust 100%

We're working on getting rid of the person, but they're crafty and keep coming back - for now just don't click any links (even if they appear innocent)

Additionally, don't quote any post made by the person - it means we have to remove the link from your post as well. Its extra work that we don't have time for when we're desperately trying to clear the posts

Last edited by TDG on Fri Jul 06, 2007 3:08 am, edited 2 times in total.

[Ski]

It's always a shame to see this kind of stuff happen here. I'll keep my guard up. I just wish there was a better way to stop this guy than just IP bans. =/ (or is there? it's been some time since I last worked with phpBB.)

[Jasujo]

It's always a shame to see this kind of stuff happen here. I'll keep my guard up. I just wish there was a better way to stop this guy than just IP bans. =/ (or is there? it's been some time since I last worked with phpBB.)

Not as far as I can tell. At the moment, it's taken care of. We'll just have to stay on our toes.

[Shoyru_Lover]

*shakes fist at those pesky scammers*

Great work everyone on containing the problem.

[Siouxper]

Glad you guys are taking care of it. Evil scammers!

[Shadow]

Jas is my hero She save PPT from the ebil spammer!

[Jasujo]

Jas is my hero She save PPT from the ebil spammer!

With help from the mods, of course! I was IM'd about it all just as I got a fresh bowl of soup, too. :/ lol

[Keakealani]

I'm sure someone probably already thought of this, but if the links are coming from the same domains, you could use a word filter to block the domain name...

[TDG]

They're not coming from the same domain, but the usernames usually are something along the lines of neolover (though thats not guarenteed). We've got a few ideas on how to stop them, but no decent solutions as of such (more temporary fixes for the mean time)

Anyway, I've come up with a few "rules" in case it happens again (hopefully it won't). These are more guidelines than rules, and you shouldn't (barring extreme circumstances) be punished for not adhering to them, but it would be nice if you could follow them.

1. Do not quote any posts made by the scammer, it means we have to remove your post as well
2. Do not PM the scammer (for any reason) or post any message directed at them (This one is serious guys, don't give them reason to want to target us even more)
3. You may post a warning to members (EG: Do not click the above link, it is a scam and you may lose your account just from clicking it) but do not unnecessarily post on threads with a scam link posted in it, it just causes the topic to be bumped to the top of the page (causing more people to see, and possibly fall victim to, the scam
4. Any/all moderators that are on will probably be stressed trying to remove the posts as they appear. Report the posts with the report feature and PM any online moderators if you feel it is needed and you believe they are not taking action, but don't expect a well-thought out or carefully planned response (if any) - if they have to PM you for any reason during that time, the PM will probably be rushed and possibly snippy due to stress
5. Don't click any links you feel aren't safe. If you need to check what a link actually is, press the quote button and see if the link actually leads to the page it says it does. Or, hover your mouse above the link and check the status bar at the bottom of the page.

Remember, it's remarkably easy to fake a link on a forum like this. Don't believe, visit this page

http://www.neopets.com/nf.phtml

[Thrall55]

Thanks the_dog_god I heard someone got their account stolen. I never click on links other than screenies, even then I still check the URL thing at the left corner of the screen.

[Shoyru_Lover]

Great information TDG! Now... we need some superheroes here who will blast away those pesky scammers. Pudding, how about your trusty blaster?

[Ginger Harp Seal Pup]

I tried to help with this the best I could. Even though my warning was removed quickly, I hope at least a few people read it. Anyway, glad she's been taken care of now.

[Jasujo]

I tried to help with this the best I could. Even though my warning was removed quickly, I hope at least a few people read it. Anyway, glad she's been taken care of now.

Just to note, your warning was removed because it was not in a place to post such, as you were told. This is the proper thread to discuss. Thank you.

[Ginger Harp Seal Pup]

I tried to help with this the best I could. Even though my warning was removed quickly, I hope at least a few people read it. Anyway, glad she's been taken care of now.

Just to note, your warning was removed because it was not in a place to post such, as you were told. This is the proper thread to discuss. Thank you.

Okay. I don't wish to argue with you. Thank you ^^

[Siouxper]

I always right click on the link, click properties, and I can see what page it goes to

Anyway, hope this problem goes away, but I won't get too hopeful.