Atheist Nexus

The World’s Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!

Update: Changed title from "Just spam, no baked beans or singing Vikings."

Seems like we've been invaded by more spammers than usual in the last couple of days. I've seen members leaving them welcome messages. Here's how not to be duped:

1. Spammers often don't capitalize their name(s). However, check the rest of the profile, sometimes non-spammers also don't capitalize their name(s).

2. Quite often, spammers will list themselves as being from alternate universe places like "Hawaii, Afghanistan". That can be a dead giveaway. Still, check the rest of the profile, as the person behind it might be a legitimate, joking member of the site, or the location may be legitimate (like "Intercourse, PA, USA).

3. Spammers may not post a photo of a real person, or any image at all. Sometimes they steal images of real people off the WWW. This supposedly helps the spammer avoid notice by the ever prowling anti-spammers. Since we are on Atheist Nexus, and not everyone posts a representation, once again, check the rest of the profile.

4. A key giveaway is at least one link, and generally more leading to usually dodgy commercial website(s). Once again, check the entire profile. Sometimes legitimate members will post a link to their non-commercial homepage, or their commercial homepage where they may be selling anything from instructional CDs to their services as a graphic artist. Legitimate members can usually be told apart from spammers because they'll have at least something written about themselves in their profile.

Example of some link names I found in a spam profile today:

buy revitol
revitol cellulite cream
revitol stretch mark cream
revitol hair removal cream

5. You can report spammers to Richard by mousing over the "About Us" link at the upper right hand side of your page, in the Atheist Nexus toolbar. Scroll down to "Report an Issue". Click on the appropriate issue ("spam"), and make sure the wee circle has a green dot in it. Then, copy-and-paste the URL of the spammer profile and hit "Send Report".

Does anyone have anything to add that might help identify spammers?

Tags: don't be duped, spam, spammers

Views: 5

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Thanks! I've just pointed one on out.
Good on ya!
You're welcome!
As soon as we are made aware of the spammers, we delete them. Thanks to everyone for reporting them to us. Keep it up!
What's this, Bro' Richard? You have a mouse in your pocket?
Don't be harassing Brother Richard. Once Kristy gets done with him, he may not have anything left in his pocket.
I've paid my tithe, I'm entitled to my pound of flesh.
Eve,
Thanks for posting this important information. I've welcomed some new members and seen spam messages in their comment screen, as the first thing they get while on A|N. WHat an awful welcome. Your information will help, I'll know where to report this information.

Adding the "spam" tag, that you added, will really help people locate this information.

Daniel
You're welcome Daniel. I aim to please.
Thanks for the info!
You're welcome!
As a footnote, if you have the time, the disposable addresses and a desire for community service, for Nigerian/419 spam, spend a few moments composing a sincere but very confused request for clarification and further information. These spams can't be automated, a human has to respond - so the more of their time you waste, the better. It hurts them more than simple banning.

RSS

Support Nexus

Click to Buy Amazon items and help A|N

Advertisements

Heathen's Guide

Skeptic Money

Sex and God

Humanistic Judaism

Your Ad Here

Helpful Items

 

Search Atheist Nexus:
Translate page:

 

Social Networking Links:
 

Latest Activity

Dalton commented on Dalton's blog post Of Playing with Cats and Fire
6 minutes ago
Joseph Edwards VIII commented on Karley Johnston's group Missouri Atheists
18 minutes ago
Joseph Edwards VIII liked Karley Johnston's group Missouri Atheists
20 minutes ago
jay H replied to matthew greenberg's discussion Westboro Baptist must be making an impression
22 minutes ago
Joseph Edwards VIII posted a blog post
23 minutes ago
Joseph Edwards VIII replied to Atheist Andrea's discussion Are you open about being an atheist or are you in the closet?
26 minutes ago
Joseph P replied to George S.'s discussion Closing arguments Thursday in Pa. priest sex abuse trial in the group Atheist News
31 minutes ago
Tammy S commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
32 minutes ago
Ruth Anthony-Gardner replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion Much better than a wheelchair in the group Hang With Friends
34 minutes ago
Chris Z commented on Katherine's group Vegetarian/Vegan Atheists
35 minutes ago
Wiley Coyote replied to Marc Green's discussion Affordable Care Act - Informal Poll
37 minutes ago
Steph S. commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
39 minutes ago
Jess posted photos
55 minutes ago
Jessica added a discussion to the group Godless Gamers
1 hour ago
Tammy S commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
1 hour ago
abraha tekleab amanuel commented on Stephanie Chiller's photo
2 hours ago
Chris G replied to Sentient Biped's discussion Learning to Embrace Climate Change in the group Eco-Logical: A Group for Environmentalists
2 hours ago
abraha tekleab amanuel replied to Atheist Andrea's discussion Are you open about being an atheist or are you in the closet?
2 hours ago
booklover commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
2 hours ago
Steph S. commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
3 hours ago

© 2012   Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Brother Richard.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service