Viagra spammers, Offensive PMs

[Andmcit]

Noz,

I too have received a similar pm as Dean but this 'sender' is (shown at least) a new genuine
member simonxm21 so it seems there's somerhing allowing a piggyback message via a
registered newly registered member. I cannot see a Viagra spammer running around Bristol
in a silver Xm somewhow!!

Andrew

This post has been edited by Andmcit on April 20, 2011 11:15 pm

[xmexclusive]

Hi Andrew

Thanks for the report on the latest Spam attack method.
It seems exactly the method you describe, piggyback on genuine new member registration. A bit more complex to track down the actual source so feedback is vital to the process. As I understand it Noz has now placed a temporary control on the number of pm's that can be sent by a new member. This should reduce the nusiance problem while still getting a bit of feedback on attacks to trace and eliminate them.
The immediate alternative was to start barring what could well be genuine new members. It is also possible that the real reason for these attacks could be to try to damage the site integrity. The offensive spam message may just be an incidental choice. The message volume generated cannot be enough to be sales effective. On a heavily moderated site the moderators would already be sending warning messages to alleged offending members or even barring them. Could get lots of genuine site members very unhappy and exchanging angry messages. Would all be very counter productive to any sites real objectives. Might be worth seeking opinions about this from Ciaran and Jim just incase it represents a major vunerability for sites.

Best regards

John

[blue94auto]

Good to hear you got rid of the spammer Noz.
I got that email and at the time I couldn't log in to this website to report it,however just lately I have changed my internet provider and am no longer blocked from this great website.
Keep up the good work, Gary