Author Topic: Silly Spammers  (Read 23086 times)

Post-Crisis D

Silly Spammers
« on: October 10, 2018, 04:52:37 AM »
Spam is annoying but sometimes it can be amusing.

Today, I had one with the subject line "Gourmet Hot Chocolate . . . Ships in 7 Days" and I'm thinking, won't it be cold by then?

I get lots of ones from scammers claiming I need to upgrade my mailbox and click the link and login to upgrade.  Silly spammers.  I run my own mail server so when you claim to be the admin, I know you're not because I'm the admin.  Plus, the links don't go to my server.

What's the silliest spam you've gotten?
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Mark Gardner

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2018, 08:34:06 AM »
I got a spam email telling me how much they enjoyed my book, and asked for permission to feature it on their book blog. I replied that they had my permission to use excerpts, etc, and that I looked forward to seeing their review. They replied asking for $77.
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2018, 09:55:55 AM »
I got a spam email telling me how much they enjoyed my book, and asked for permission to feature it on their book blog. I replied that they had my permission to use excerpts, etc, and that I looked forward to seeing their review. They replied asking for $77.


You should have offered to pay them in spirit stones.   :dance:
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Mark Gardner

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2018, 09:58:26 AM »
I got a spam email telling me how much they enjoyed my book, and asked for permission to feature it on their book blog. I replied that they had my permission to use excerpts, etc, and that I looked forward to seeing their review. They replied asking for $77.


You should have offered to pay them in spirit stones.   :dance:

i just reported the spam.
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Kyra Halland

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2018, 10:03:57 AM »
Have you ever made haiku out of your website spam comments? It's fun and easy!

Quote
I discovered your
blog web site website on the
search engines and check

several of your
early posts. Always sustain
up the very ex-

cellent operate.
I lately additional
increase Rss

to my MSN
News Reader. Looking for to-
ward reading much far

more on your part later on!

Quote
I do consider
all the ideas you’ve pre-
sented on your post.

They’re really convin-
cing and can certainly work.
Still, the posts are very

brief for novices.
May just you please extend them
a little from next

time? Thanks for the post

Quote
Dead written subject
material, Really en-
joyed studying.


Strong women, honorable men, worlds of magic

Kyra Halland | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Genres: Epic Romantic Fantasy; Western Fantasy
 
The following users thanked this post: Denise, CoraBuhlert, Post-Crisis D, Mark Gardner, LilyBLily, Ellie Drake

Mark Gardner

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2018, 10:13:07 AM »
Have you ever made haiku out of your website spam comments? It's fun and easy!

 :goodpost:
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D, Wonder, Kyra Halland

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2018, 12:02:51 PM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.

 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Mark Gardner

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2018, 10:29:48 PM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.
Right, since in most municipalities, it's not illegal, not to mention an increasingly accepted activity to engage in.
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

RappaDizzy

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2018, 09:23:38 AM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.
Right, since in most municipalities, it's not illegal, not to mention an increasingly accepted activity to engage in.

Now you tell me!  :icon_redface:
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #9 on: October 17, 2018, 09:28:56 AM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.
Right, since in most municipalities, it's not illegal, not to mention an increasingly accepted activity to engage in.

Now you tell me!  :icon_redface:

He neglected to mention it causes hairy palms, odorous flatulence and early onset blindness.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

R H Auslander

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #10 on: October 18, 2018, 01:28:20 AM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.
Right, since in most municipalities, it's not illegal, not to mention an increasingly accepted activity to engage in.
Now you tell me!  :icon_redface:

He neglected to mention it causes hairy palms, odorous flatulence and early onset blindness.

I've heard the twitching, drooling and uncontrollable fits of laughter eventually go away, too.
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #11 on: October 19, 2018, 10:32:56 AM »
Here's one that just came in. I've received it before, so they must be making money off it:

"Congratulations!

You have been recently selected as a potential candidate for inclusion in the new, 2018 Edition of the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R)

P.O.W.E.R is an exclusive network of professional females who have achieved excellence in their careers. It affords members with an incredible opportunity to network and engage with other successful women who are serious about their careers and achieving the highest levels of success.

Each candidate is selected individually, giving you the opportunity to represent and stand out in your industry & profession.

Once listed you will be featured among thousands of other well accomplished professional females such as yourself.

Members enjoy the following potential benefits:

 Greater Name Recognition
 Enhanced Status Amongst Your Industry Peers & Colleagues
 Chances for Career Advancement
 Professional Networking

and much much more

The Publishing Committee selected you as a potential candidate based not only upon your current standing but focusing as well on criteria from executive and professional directories, associations, and trade journals.

Given your background, the selection committee believes your profile makes a fitting addition to our publication."

 :lalala
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #12 on: October 19, 2018, 12:09:00 PM »
Here's one that just came in. I've received it before, so they must be making money off it:

I don't recall getting one from P.O.W.E.R. but I've gotten plenty of offers of recognition for all my wonderous achievements as a woman.  Also, offers for increasing my bust size.
:shrug
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Jo

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #13 on: October 19, 2018, 05:42:46 PM »
It's probably not funny if they allege you watched child porn.
Jo
 

Jo

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #14 on: October 19, 2018, 05:43:12 PM »
Silliest spam was for viagra.
Jo
 

YouMeWe

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #15 on: October 19, 2018, 07:31:06 PM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.
Right, since in most municipalities, it's not illegal, not to mention an increasingly accepted activity to engage in.

Now you tell me!  :icon_redface:

*snort* There goes the morning coffee...
Pleez scoose n e errers, eyes lerrnin diktashun.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #16 on: October 20, 2018, 03:34:44 AM »
Today . . .

"How about to meet a hot girl?"

Um, huh?


"Single mom lost 45 in 35 days"

I'm sorry, but you're not a very good mom if you misplaced 45 of your children in 35 days.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner, Rosie Scott, Wonder

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #17 on: October 21, 2018, 02:49:07 AM »
Oh, I guess I have been receiving P.O.W.E.R. eMails.  Got one today . . .

Quote
Dear,

You were recently selected as a potential candidate for P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized).

Our organization provides a powerful network of women who will mentor, inspire and empower each other to be the best they can be. Women understand the need to connect with other like-minded professionals and the importance of added exposure. Our platform is dedicated to enhancing the roles of women in the workplace and in the community, both individually and collectively.

Oh, and there is "No Cost To Be Included!"
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #18 on: November 14, 2018, 07:09:32 AM »
Received a web development spam message today.

I do web development.  They should probably check for stuff like that.  :icon_rolleyes:

Anyway, eMail goes on to offer mobile-friendly website design because being readable on mobile devices is "one of the most important requirements for Google."

These spams tempt me to eMail back, "What's Google?"

Or, "What's Google?  Is that like Yahoo for people that can't spell?"

Googol is the proper spelling, you know.  :hehe

Or "Why is a mobile-friendly site important to 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,00,000,000,000,000,000,000,000?  Why should I care?  How important is a mobile-friendly site to #1?  That's me, by the way.  Can't say that I care.  Do you also do photo retouching?  I hear there's much demand for that."
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

solo

  • Short Story unlocked
  • **
  • Posts: 79
  • Thanked: 38 times
  • Gender: Male
  • "By the hoary balls of Nergal!"
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #19 on: December 01, 2018, 01:11:31 PM »
I got a spam email telling me how much they enjoyed my book, and asked for permission to feature it on their book blog. I replied that they had my permission to use excerpts, etc, and that I looked forward to seeing their review. They replied asking for $77.


You should have offered to pay them in spirit stones.   :dance:

LOL. Will probably use that line.

Love this thread. Makes one laugh or smile even on a bum day.
 
The following users thanked this post: Jeff Tanyard

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #20 on: December 19, 2018, 07:17:13 AM »
You know, if you're going to spam a forum with multiple messages trying to meet someone to date (LOL, like we believe that), you might want to try to be consistent with your age in each message on that same forum:icon_rofl:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner, Marigold

CoraBuhlert

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #21 on: December 19, 2018, 10:26:40 AM »
Maybe she aged a year while posting all those spam messages.

Blog | Pegasus Pulp | Newsletter | Author Central | Twitter | Instagram
Genres: All of them, but mostly science fiction and mystery/crime
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D, Marigold

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #22 on: December 19, 2018, 11:36:56 AM »
Maybe she aged a year while posting all those spam messages.

She aged a couple years.  She was 21, 22 and 23.  I am not sure but I think there might also have been a 24.

Also silly was trying to claim the forum was buggy for the photo not "uploading" properly when it was hyperlinked from another site.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #23 on: December 19, 2018, 11:55:19 AM »
You know, if you're going to spam a forum with multiple messages trying to meet someone to date (LOL, like we believe that), you might want to try to be consistent with your age in each message on that same forum:icon_rofl:


A spammer's love is very different from that of a square.    :tap
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #24 on: March 09, 2019, 05:53:40 AM »
I know bots generate most SEO spam and they don't "analyze" your website at all, but they still generate some amusing results, like the one I just received a few minutes ago.

Here it is in part:
Quote
We’d like to inform you a very important issue regarding your website which is the reason why you are losing lots of traffic.

Your website is great in terms of design and content. However, it doesn’t follow Search Engine Guidelines. So, it has a very low visibility in search results.

We’ve done a thorough SEO audit of your website, and found that it has a big potential to generate more revenue than what it might be earning at the present. And yes, we have generated a report for the same as well.

My website has "great" "design and content" but has "low visibility in search results."  It also has "big potential" for "more revenue" than it currently earns.

LOL.

This is a single page website.  It only has a logo and a page counter.  It doesn't try to sell anything or offer anything or even have ads.  There is no content, other than the logo and page counter.  That's it.  No pages besides the landing page.  Nothing.  I only use the domain name for an eMail address for a specific use.  I put up a webpage for it because, you know, why not?  Hasn't been updated in 12 years and other than a logo change (I think) it hasn't changed in 17 years.

It's just silly to believe they've actually put together a "report" on how this site could earn more revenue.  LOL.

Silly spammers.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Shoe

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #25 on: March 09, 2019, 10:40:09 AM »
This made me curious so I looked up some stats. There are 14.5 billion spam emails sent a day. Only one in 12.5 million results in a reply. I now feel better about my mailing list stats.
Martin Luther King: "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D, She-la-te-da

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #26 on: March 09, 2019, 10:55:14 AM »
This made me curious so I looked up some stats. There are 14.5 billion spam emails sent a day. Only one in 12.5 million results in a reply. I now feel better about my mailing list stats.

You shouldn't.  Spams are unsolicited and non-targeted.  The response rate is naturally going to be low.  Your mailing list is, presumably, opt-in so your subscribers requested to receive offers from you, so you should be getting a far, far better response rate.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Bill Hiatt

  • Trilogy unlocked
  • *****
  • Posts: 3735
  • Thanked: 1326 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Tickling the imagination one book at a time
    • Bill Hiatt's Author Website
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #27 on: March 10, 2019, 07:48:57 AM »
This made me curious so I looked up some stats. There are 14.5 billion spam emails sent a day. Only one in 12.5 million results in a reply. I now feel better about my mailing list stats.

You shouldn't.  Spams are unsolicited and non-targeted.  The response rate is naturally going to be low.  Your mailing list is, presumably, opt-in so your subscribers requested to receive offers from you, so you should be getting a far, far better response rate.
I think Shoe was kidding. That said, there is a tendency for us to think we ought to be getting more responses than we do. However, if you look at norms in media and publishing, the norm according to Mailchimp is 17.3% opens and 3.6% clicks. Even on a bad day, I do far better than that, as I think most of us do. I have noticed, however, that the bigger my subscriber list is, the lower the percentages tend to get. I try to focus on raw number of opens and clicks (which keep going up) rather than percentages, which tend to go down as the list gets bigger.


Tickling the imagination one book at a time
Bill Hiatt | fiction website | education website | Facebook author page | Twitter
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D, Kristen.s.walker

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #28 on: March 26, 2019, 02:49:15 AM »
I mildly enjoyed today's comment form spam:

Quote
I had a look at your Instagram Instagram and it looks pretty good.

Never mind the "Instagram Instagram".  I imagine they meant "Instagram page" or something.

Anyway, so, it's like, hmm, someone apparently likes my Instagram page.  How curious.

It then goes on about whether I'm getting the results I want and how they can help me increase followers and engagement and stuff.

The thing is I don't have an Instagram account.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Kyra Halland

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #29 on: March 26, 2019, 03:41:23 PM »
Some more spam haiku for your enjoyment:

She’s very precise
about how she handles lead-
ing, include font is

special. If you can
begin with between four and
five pages about

your chosen subject
you might doing
well.

*****

Very also prob-
ably the most overlooked,
along with the cause

of several an
easily avoided di-
lemma. You aren’t

even required to
re-install some other hard-
ware or software be

capable of to
get this done.


Strong women, honorable men, worlds of magic

Kyra Halland | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Genres: Epic Romantic Fantasy; Western Fantasy
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D, solo

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #30 on: March 27, 2019, 03:36:19 AM »
If you believe spam, and I haven't done an actual count to verify, but it seems like more people die in plane crashes than there are people on planes that have crashed.  Seems a lot of wealthy royal families die in plane crashes.  If you're royalty, maybe you should consider taking the bus.  Seems like buses are less deadly.  Or a boat.  No reason you can't take a boat from Africa to Europe.  Sure, it'll take longer than a plane, but you won't crash and leave all your millions to some nephew who will have to smuggle it out of the country with the help of a stranger in a foreign country he'll have to find by sending random eMails to people.

Earlier today, someone was apparently trying to steal funds due to me by claiming I died in a plane crash.  The nerve of some people.

And, most recently, some poor woman contacted me.  She was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, after her husband had died in a plane crash.  Who knew that having a spouse die in a plane crash could cause cancer?  I wonder if the FAA has looked into this.  Anyway, she wants to make sure her money goes to charity, so she wants to give me her millions of dollars to distribute it to charities.  Why she couldn't just list the charities in her will, I don't know.  Oh, she said she doesn't want her husband's relatives getting the money.  I, of course, get to keep a portion of it for my efforts.

Maybe I should take her up on the offer.  Sounds like a better deal than refinancing the mortgage on my post office box.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner, solo, Kristen.s.walker

notthatamanda

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #31 on: March 27, 2019, 03:57:03 AM »
The thing is I don't have an Instagram account.

Maybe they can help with that too.  I don't think there's much too it though.  You just need a friend to take pictures of your butt.
 
The following users thanked this post: solo

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #32 on: March 27, 2019, 05:56:06 AM »
If you're royalty, maybe you should consider taking the bus.


No way, man.  I've seen Romancing the Stone.  I know what happens on buses.  One minute, you think you're on your way to Cartegena to rescue your sister, and the next minute, you're in the middle of the jungle with some mustachioed villain who's trying to mug you.


Quote
Or a boat.  No reason you can't take a boat from Africa to Europe. 


A boat?  In the Mediterranean?  Ever heard of the Barbary pirates?   :icon_eek:

Royalty are rich and connected, and that means they have access to Nicola Tesla's top secret teleportation technology.  I learned about this tech on the internet, so that's how you know it's real.  Those royals should just beam from here to there instead of "slumming" by using the vehicles of the masses.


Quote
Maybe I should take her up on the offer.


YOLO    :cool:


The thing is I don't have an Instagram account.

Maybe they can help with that too.  I don't think there's much too it though.  You just need a friend to take pictures of your butt.


 :icon_lol2:
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 
The following users thanked this post: solo

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #33 on: March 27, 2019, 06:16:57 AM »
The thing is I don't have an Instagram account.

Maybe they can help with that too.  I don't think there's much too it though.  You just need a friend to take pictures of your butt.

Nobody would want to see such pictures.


No way, man.  I've seen Romancing the Stone.  I know what happens on buses.  One minute, you think you're on your way to Cartegena to rescue your sister, and the next minute, you're in the middle of the jungle with some mustachioed villain who's trying to mug you.

Better that than a pistachioed villain.  :icon_think:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Jeff Tanyard, Mark Gardner, solo

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #34 on: March 27, 2019, 02:56:34 PM »
Got to laugh at the bitcoin spam.

The one where they tell you they hacked your computer, took over your cam, and recorded you wanking to porn.

Quite apart from the obvious issues like the email address they used not actually existing, failing to prove they even know who you are, and no evidence proving they even have access to your computer, let alone have recordings from it.

There is one part there where they tell you the bitcoin address is case sensitive, so copy and paste the address.

Only the whole email is a single IMAGE, which means no copy and paste is possible. And lets face it, no-one is ever going to type something that complicated without making errors.

Silly spammers!

 :icon_rofl:
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #35 on: April 06, 2019, 05:32:54 AM »
Today's spam (one of them, anyway):
Quote
This new tool was just released a few weeks ago.

And I have to admit - it packs so much power in such a small package it even scares me!

And then blah, blah, blah and signed by someone I've never heard of.

It's like, gee, thanks guy I've never heard of.  The fact this thing scares even you means a lot, given that I have no idea who you are or what might scare you.  You might be frightened by a cotton swab.  I've no idea.  Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Also doesn't help that the URL advertised has two typos.  I mean, the unwary might overlook the first missing letter, but two?  I don't know.  Plus, when your domain name ends in .icu, yeah, no thanks.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #36 on: April 17, 2019, 01:08:32 AM »
One of today's was a fake receipt (a .doc I'm supposed to open for more details on my supposed order).

Apparently, I placed my order on my "iPhone X, Ipad."  Um, which was it?  Also, I'm pretty sure if the eMail really was from Apple, they would know it's an "iPad" not an "Ipad".

And, the browser I used to place my order was "Safari, Chrome."  Again, which was it?

Also, "This Order details:" is poor wording for a receipt.

Silly spammers.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

David VanDyke

  • Long Novel unlocked
  • ***
  • Posts: 799
  • Thanked: 805 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Full-time hybrid author and curmudgeon
    • David VanDyke's Author Website
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #37 on: April 17, 2019, 07:20:20 AM »
This is actually a legit technique for the spammers, because the smart people don't respond--only the stupid and illiterate (or elderly and confused) people actually miss all that stuff, which tells the spammers right away they are easy marks.
Never listen to people with no skin in the game.

I'm a lucky guy. I find the harder I work, the luckier I am.

Those who prefer their English sloppy have only themselves to thank if the advertisement writer uses his mastery of the vocabulary and syntax to mislead their weak minds.

~ Dorothy L. Sayers
 
The following users thanked this post: She-la-te-da

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #38 on: April 27, 2019, 02:45:20 AM »
Got to laugh at the bitcoin spam.

The one where they tell you they hacked your computer, took over your cam, and recorded you wanking to porn.

Quite apart from the obvious issues like the email address they used not actually existing, failing to prove they even know who you are, and no evidence proving they even have access to your computer, let alone have recordings from it.

There is one part there where they tell you the bitcoin address is case sensitive, so copy and paste the address.

I received one of these the other day as comment form spam which makes absolutely no sense.  What "device" did they purportedly "install" their software on?  The web server?  A web server with a webcam?  Was the web server being recorded pleasuring itself to videos of web servers with 42U 36"D racks?  I'm kind of curious to see the video now.  :hehe

I imagine they probably spoofed their IP (maybe, then again if you're sending this kind of message through comment form spam, you're probably not that bright) but their IP address indicates they are in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #39 on: May 02, 2019, 03:12:23 AM »
There's a new twist on the "embarrassing video" scam.  Now they are claiming they actually slept with you, recorded it on video and downloaded all your passwords and contacts while you were in the bathroom.

Of course, they don't mention their name, only that it happened a "long, long time ago".  You know, like probably before you had a smartphone.  :hehe

I kind of like this bit: "For the obvious reason, I can not tell you my personal name, but yes, I can tell you one thing that, it was a long, long time back honey."  Yeah, they don't want to mention their name, but they're perfectly willing to give a DVD of your night with them--which would obviously include them--to all your neighbors and family members.  (After all, they know where you live.)

Silly spammers.  Next thing you know, they'll claim they are you and if you don't send Bitcoin cash to them, er, you, they, er, you will streak down the aisles during church services or whatever.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #40 on: May 04, 2019, 07:02:38 AM »
Two funny spam messages today . . .

First was one of those fake invoice scams, except instead of using a company name, they used the name John.  And they closed the message with "Thank you for using John!"

You know, as opposed to going in the bushes or something, I guess.

Second was Internet marketing spam, offering a system to "create" your Kindle book in just a matter of hours!  NO WRITING REQUIRED!  I normally junk that stuff but was curious to take a look.  I checked the summary and part of the process is making sure you create a good cover for CreateSpace and upload the book to CreateSpace as well as Amazon.  And I was like, hmmm, CreateSpace, really?  Do they really not know?

Upon further investigation, this product was first offered three years ago.  And I'm thinking, you know, maybe, just maybe, you might want to update your stuff?

Especially when you're offering the stuff for the special low, low price of only $177.  :eek:  And that's a savings over the regular sales price of $247 which itself is a discount off the regular retail price of $497.

I guess maybe I need to write a book on how to write a book and sell said book for $97.  It'll look like an awesome deal.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #41 on: July 20, 2019, 06:31:59 AM »
There's another new twist on the "embarrassing video" scam.

Received one today that claims they know I am a pedophile because they've filmed me doing things while I was purportedly on websites with pictures/videos (they don't specify) of naked kids.  But, not to worry, they don't care, just so long as I send them money.  If not, they will forward the videos to my local police department.  After all, they know where I live.

So, basically, they would be admitting to possessing child porn because if I had done what they claim and they possessed a split screen recording of me and these sites I was supposedly visiting, that means they not only watched child porn but they also possess it.

Smart move!  LOL.

Oh, and if I contact the police, they will know and they will immediately send the videos they have to the police.  Yep.  Prove to the police that you possess child porn.  Smart move, spammer!

Anyway, the funny part is . . .

"Because I know you are a wealthy person and that you do care
about your reputation, I am willing to gίve you a chance to atone and I
will leave you alone."

I'm a "wealthy person"?   :icon_rofl:

So, now they have given me three reasons to not believe them . . .

1) I do not and have not watched child porn
2) The camera on my computer is non-functional
3) I am, sadly, certainly not wealthy

Silly spammer.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner, Rosie Scott

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #42 on: July 24, 2019, 12:37:34 AM »
Got to laugh at the bitcoin spam.

The one where they tell you they hacked your computer, took over your cam, and recorded you wanking to porn.

Quite apart from the obvious issues like the email address they used not actually existing, failing to prove they even know who you are, and no evidence proving they even have access to your computer, let alone have recordings from it.

There is one part there where they tell you the bitcoin address is case sensitive, so copy and paste the address.

I received one of these the other day as comment form spam which makes absolutely no sense.  What "device" did they purportedly "install" their software on?  The web server?  A web server with a webcam?  Was the web server being recorded pleasuring itself to videos of web servers with 42U 36"D racks?  I'm kind of curious to see the video now.  :hehe

I imagine they probably spoofed their IP (maybe, then again if you're sending this kind of message through comment form spam, you're probably not that bright) but their IP address indicates they are in Atlanta, Georgia.

Received two of these today as comment form spam.

Each listed a different password, neither of which is a password I have ever used anywhere.

Then they say how they embedded a pixel in the message so they will know I read it.  You can't embed a pixel in comment form spam.  At least not on my comment form, which I coded myself.

Maybe someone will fall for this, but having the wrong password certainly doesn't make the spam believable.  LOL.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

Kristen.s.walker

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #43 on: July 28, 2019, 09:06:52 AM »
I keep receiving emails about this incredible treatment for AIDS. Which, if I had AIDS or knew anyone with it, that might be great news, but I would expect to hear about it from major news headlines and not a random spammer. The miracle drug they're offering to sell? Viagra.

Maybe these are secretly sci-fi stories because it would take a really big stretch of imagination to believe that Viagra could somehow treat an immune disorder.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #44 on: August 01, 2019, 01:23:57 AM »
Received spam on a contact form today on one of my websites.  It opened with this:

Quote
I've received a few of your emails recently and it looks like you could use a little help with your copywriting.

This particular website does not have an eMail list and, thus, the spammer could not have received any of my eMails recently because said eMails do not exist.

Silly spammer.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Mark Gardner

sliderule

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #45 on: August 01, 2019, 09:46:47 PM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.

I doubly laugh at that because my desktop has no built in web camera.

"Good luck with that!"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #46 on: August 15, 2019, 01:05:45 AM »
SPAMMER SAYS: "I'm sure you're busy and don't have time to read a whole email so we have prepared a quick explanation video."

Pretty sure I can read through a whole eMail faster than watching a video.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Kristen.s.walker

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #47 on: September 20, 2019, 07:06:12 AM »
So, yesterday, I received spam.  Nothing new, of course, but it says at the bottom of the eMail:

"You signed up to get mail from [SPAMMER NAME] on 09/16/2019 16:00"

Um, no, I most certainly did not.  That was this past Monday.  I would have remembered that.

Now, normally, I ignore the unsubscribe links in spam since that just lets them know someone is receiving their junk.  But, in a moment of weakness and because I was hoping for a form where they would ask for a reason for unsubscribing wherein I hoped to write a short sternly worded diatribe that I never subscribed to their junk and resented having to unsubscribe from something I never subscribed to.  Instead, I get a short message that I have been unsubscribed from their list.

A bit less satisfying but glad to be rid of them nonetheless.

But, today, I received another spam from them.  And, again, with the message that:

"You signed up to get mail from [SPAMMER NAME] on 09/16/2019 16:00"

No, I DID NOT!!!

But, lesson learned.  I just flagged it as spam so future messages will just go to spam.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Gerri Attrick

A new scam?
« Reply #48 on: September 20, 2019, 08:18:54 PM »
I’ve just had a phone call where an automated female voice with an American accent informed me that my Amazon Prime subscription was due to be renewed at Ł39.99 a month. If I wished to speak to an Amazon Prime person to cancel the subscription then I should press 1.

At that price, I would certainly cancel.

We do NOT have a subscription to Amazon Prime.
 

notthatamanda

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #49 on: September 20, 2019, 09:28:47 PM »
I’ve just had a phone call where an automated female voice with an American accent informed me that my Amazon Prime subscription was due to be renewed at Ł39.99 a month. If I wished to speak to an Amazon Prime person to cancel the subscription then I should press 1.

At that price, I would certainly cancel.

We do NOT have a subscription to Amazon Prime.
Bet they ask for your credit card number to verify so they can cancel it.  Ugh.
 

Marti Talbott

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #50 on: September 22, 2019, 06:21:12 AM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.

Especially when your 74.
Read The Swindler, a historical romance available at:
Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Kobo & Nook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QG5K23
 
The following users thanked this post: Cobbah

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #51 on: September 22, 2019, 06:52:30 AM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.

Especially when your 74.

More so when you don't even have a webcam.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: Kristen.s.walker, Cobbah

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #52 on: September 22, 2019, 12:16:07 PM »
We don't answer the phone unless the Caller ID shows a name we recognize. Which frankly is not often.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #53 on: September 24, 2019, 03:32:46 AM »
The "I made a video of you watching porn" extortion ploy seems very silly to me.

Especially when your 74.

More so when you don't even have a webcam.

Received another one of these today.  It closed with some helpful advice:

Quote
For the future - just cover a sticker your device's camera when you visit adult sites!

LOL.  My devices with cameras DO have black blocking stickers covering them so, if they actually had gained access to my devices, as they claimed, they would already know that.  :hehe
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #54 on: September 28, 2019, 05:20:42 AM »
Dear Spammers,

Now may not be the optimal time to advertise mail order brides from the Ukraine.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Marti Talbott

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #55 on: September 28, 2019, 05:46:12 AM »
 :clap: :icon_lol2:
Dear Spammers,

Now may not be the optimal time to advertise mail order brides from the Ukraine.

 :icon_lol2: :clap: :dance:
Read The Swindler, a historical romance available at:
Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Kobo & Nook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QG5K23
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #56 on: September 28, 2019, 08:35:12 AM »
Just got spam for "male problems" but 50/50 odds weren't good enough for them, so they also carry stuff for women too.  In fact, they have a full range of offerings:

Quote
- Antidiabetic
- Cancer
- Stomach
- Women's Health
- Anti-allergic
- Antibiotics

So, apparently, you can buy cancer.

But, wait!, there's more because they also have:

Quote
... and more than 1,000 positions

I don't wanna know.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Marti Talbott

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #57 on: September 28, 2019, 09:00:21 AM »
Just got spam for "male problems" but 50/50 odds weren't good enough for them, so they also carry stuff for women too.  In fact, they have a full range of offerings:

Quote
- Antidiabetic
- Cancer
- Stomach
- Women's Health
- Anti-allergic
- Antibiotics

So, apparently, you can buy cancer.

But, wait!, there's more because they also have:

Quote
... and more than 1,000 positions

I don't wanna know.
:catrun
Read The Swindler, a historical romance available at:
Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Kobo & Nook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QG5K23
 

RappaDizzy

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #58 on: September 28, 2019, 10:05:36 AM »
I’ve been getting a number of emails from women saying they have pictures ready to send me and we could be soon be sweethearts.

This is in between others saying they have taken those pictures of me through my camera where I am watching porn and doing naughty things.

Don’t these guys have a marketing union or an association or something?

I mean...if I’m perfectly happy to play with myself, why would I need a partner?  :icon_think:
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #59 on: September 28, 2019, 11:27:29 AM »
I mean...if I’m perfectly happy to play with myself, why would I need a partner?  :icon_think:

 :icon_rofl:
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #60 on: October 02, 2019, 05:52:34 AM »
I like the spam too where they warn you your eMail account has to be verified or something or it will be SHUT DOWN.

It's especially fun for me because I have my own mail server so I know it's a scam right off the bat.  :hehe

Got one just now that my eMail account has reached its storage limit of 99.9 GB and will be locked if I don't re-validate the account.

Okay, for one, if it's reached its storage limit, wouldn't they want me to clean it out instead of re-validating the address?

For two, it's an SMTP account--the messages are deleted from the server once I download to my mail software so it's never going to reach a storage limit unless I don't check it for a long time.

For three, I don't think my eMail server even has a 99.9 GB hard drive.  I think its 80 GB.

Silly spammers.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Marti Talbott

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #61 on: October 02, 2019, 07:32:50 AM »
With all the big company hacking, these guys must be bottom of the barrel scammers. Poor guys. They have to depend on stupid to make a living. And I thought selling books was hard.
Read The Swindler, a historical romance available at:
Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Kobo & Nook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QG5K23
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #62 on: October 02, 2019, 08:13:17 AM »
They have to depend on stupid to make a living.

I imagine they might do quite well.  Unfortunately.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #63 on: October 02, 2019, 11:54:32 AM »
Got one just now that my eMail account has reached its storage limit of 99.9 GB and will be locked if I don't re-validate the account.

You know what the really stupid part of that is?

If the storage limit had been reached, the email would have bounced, so you'd have never received it.
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #64 on: October 02, 2019, 11:57:59 AM »
Got one just now that my eMail account has reached its storage limit of 99.9 GB and will be locked if I don't re-validate the account.

You know what the really stupid part of that is?

If the storage limit had been reached, the email would have bounced, so you'd have never received it.

Unless they increased it just enough for their admin message to get through.

If they were actually the admin, that is.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #65 on: October 02, 2019, 02:19:56 PM »
Dan, it might be about time you ditched your old email addresses and started over with new ones.   :confused:
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #66 on: October 02, 2019, 02:27:33 PM »
Dan, it might be about time you ditched your old email addresses and started over with new ones.   :confused:

I've had it for 23 years.  I refuse to let the spammers win.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #67 on: October 02, 2019, 02:32:42 PM »
Dan, it might be about time you ditched your old email addresses and started over with new ones.   :confused:

I've had it for 23 years.  I refuse to let the spammers win.

You know what worked for me?

When I moved my domains to another host, my email was down for a day or so.

When it came back up, most of my spam didn't come back with it. The fact the emails started bouncing seems to have removed me from their lists.

Getting all new spam these days, but not nearly so much.
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #68 on: March 05, 2020, 02:08:28 AM »
Today, I received a new variation on the "we have access to your account" spam.  This time, it was they gained access to my friend's account and found pictures of his naked wife.  Since he didn't pay them, they are sending the photos to all his contacts, of which I am one.

Now, normally, photos are stored as JPEGs.  Maybe PNGs.  But, these are apparently in a Word document.  A Word document probably containing a macro virus or something.  Nice try, spammer.

But I'm sure some people will click to open the file just to see which of their friend's were "hacked."
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #69 on: March 05, 2020, 02:10:25 AM »
Did your 'friend' actually have a wife?
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Marti Talbott

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #70 on: March 05, 2020, 02:11:30 AM »
Today, I received a new variation on the "we have access to your account" spam.  This time, it was they gained access to my friend's account and found pictures of his naked wife.  Since he didn't pay them, they are sending the photos to all his contacts, of which I am one.

Now, normally, photos are stored as JPEGs.  Maybe PNGs.  But, these are apparently in a Word document.  A Word document probably containing a macro virus or something.  Nice try, spammer.

But I'm sure some people will click to open the file just to see which of their friend's were "hacked."

I'm safe. I don't want to see anyone's naked wife. Please don't show me! :catrun
Read The Swindler, a historical romance available at:
Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Kobo & Nook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QG5K23
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #71 on: March 05, 2020, 02:14:50 AM »
Did your 'friend' actually have a wife?

They don't identify the friend.  I imagine that's part of the ploy to get you to open the Word document.  You wouldn't know who the friend is until you see who the pictures are of.

Whether or not there are actually pictures in the Word document, I have no idea.  I am not going to try to open it to find out.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #72 on: March 05, 2020, 02:16:20 AM »
Is it doc or docx?
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #73 on: March 05, 2020, 02:33:31 AM »
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #74 on: March 05, 2020, 02:42:07 AM »
Is it doc or docx?

It was a .doc.

So very old version of Word as well. Probably not even from Word, but a text editor.
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Lynn

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #75 on: March 05, 2020, 03:51:00 AM »
I had a spam comment on my blog recently in which the spammer told me my content had become boring but this new post was really interesting so they were going to add me back to their reading list.

Do people actually let comments through on their blogs if they've been insulted? I have a sad feeling that some people would just to prove they were open to criticism. Well, screw them. I'm not open to criticism on my own blog! There's also the fact that I don't let spammers spam my blog. ;)

:D
Don't rush me.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #76 on: March 05, 2020, 04:45:19 AM »
Do people actually let comments through on their blogs if they've been insulted?

I think it's a trick to make it appear as though it were a genuine comment and not something from a bot because for years, they would try to post glowing comments and you learned that someone commenting on how great your content was was probably a spammer or spambot.  So, they shifted gears and tried to throw in some criticism mixed in with praise so you might think it was genuine.

What I always found amusing was that marketers had automated blogs which posted auto-written content which would then be auto-commented on by bots from other marketers so really a lot of times these blogs and comments were only being created, read and commented on by bots all the way around.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #77 on: March 05, 2020, 08:22:54 AM »
Is it doc or docx?

It was a .doc.

So very old version of Word as well. Probably not even from Word, but a text editor.


You can make .doc files in OpenOffice, so I would guess there are a bunch of other programs that can do it, too.

I've been getting spam comments on my blog lately, though I've been reporting them, so the comments aren't there anymore.  The traffic is from Turkmenistan.





I don't know if the spammers are actually Turkmen or not.  They may be from some other place and are just routing their traffic through there.  And yes, "Turkmen" is the proper name for people from Turkmenistan, in case anyone was wondering.
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 

notthatamanda

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #78 on: March 05, 2020, 09:02:11 AM »
I just got my first spam email claiming to have important COVID-19 information. I didn't open it.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #79 on: March 05, 2020, 09:14:38 AM »
I just got my first spam email claiming to have important COVID-19 information. I didn't open it.

The one with a "military source" exposing the "Shocking TRUTH" about it?

I've also gotten a number offering masks and ones wanting you to visit their website to learn more.

Also a number of spam messages that have scraped news about the virus at the bottom of their messages, presumably to try to evade spam filters.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #80 on: March 05, 2020, 02:36:43 PM »
I feel deprived. No spam of late. My spam controls are so tight I often don't even get emails from my close relatives.
 

notthatamanda

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #81 on: March 05, 2020, 07:58:45 PM »
Lucky.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #82 on: July 27, 2022, 03:24:12 AM »
I don't know if this is coincidental or how it would deter bots, but I have two comment forms on my website.  One is for the company and the other is for me as the author.  Company one is accessed via the main page; mine is from my author subdirectory.

I used to get spam on both.

Today, I received several in a row.  And then I noticed that all the recent spam comments have been to the author comment form, not the company one.  I checked and found I have not received any spam on the company contact form in over a year and a half.  None.

Well, maybe I messed up and have the same subject line for both.  So, I did a test submission.  Nope.  The message I get from the company contact form submission is different from the author one.

Hmm.  What did I do to that form a year and a half ago that I didn't do to the other?

Well, and I don't see how this would deter bots, but I have on the company contact page that, if you're a spammer, by submitting the form, you are entering an agreement to pay me several hundred dollars per submission.

Who would have imagined that would actually work?  :shrug
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #83 on: July 27, 2022, 10:44:59 AM »
Well, and I don't see how this would deter bots, but I have on the company contact page that, if you're a spammer, by submitting the form, you are entering an agreement to pay me several hundred dollars per submission.

Who would have imagined that would actually work?  :shrug

 :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl:
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #84 on: August 02, 2022, 04:01:14 AM »
Well, and I don't see how this would deter bots, but I have on the company contact page that, if you're a spammer, by submitting the form, you are entering an agreement to pay me several hundred dollars per submission.

Who would have imagined that would actually work?  :shrug

 :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl: :icon_rofl:

I just added it to my author contact form.  We'll see what happens.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #85 on: August 04, 2022, 04:39:29 AM »
I just added it to my author contact form.  We'll see what happens.

So far, so good.  One submission a few hours after I made the change but nothing since.  And that submission was in Russian (I think) so maybe I need to add the line in a few different languages.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #86 on: August 04, 2022, 06:28:26 AM »
Dang.  Just received one.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #87 on: August 05, 2022, 07:08:32 AM »
Well, it was a good theory, but it's apparently not working.

No idea why comment spam stopped on the other form then.

Maybe I need to try bold print on the author contact form.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #88 on: August 06, 2022, 07:32:21 AM »
I modified the form and added a notice right by the submit button.  Should give human senders pause.  We'll see what happens this time.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #89 on: August 16, 2022, 06:49:20 AM »
Well, it hasn't eliminated spam on that contact page, but it has dropped it from about 4 or 5 daily to 1 or 2 every couple days.

:shrug
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

David VanDyke

  • Long Novel unlocked
  • ***
  • Posts: 799
  • Thanked: 805 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Full-time hybrid author and curmudgeon
    • David VanDyke's Author Website
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #90 on: August 19, 2022, 08:21:42 AM »
You could have it auto-load a payment form where they have to pay you a small amount of money. Say, $5.

You could say that you will refund the money to (whoever) if it's legit. Something like that. So truly legit people might be willing to do so, with the promised refund. But scammers rely on volume and that might deter them. Or you get $5.

Never listen to people with no skin in the game.

I'm a lucky guy. I find the harder I work, the luckier I am.

Those who prefer their English sloppy have only themselves to thank if the advertisement writer uses his mastery of the vocabulary and syntax to mislead their weak minds.

~ Dorothy L. Sayers
 

She-la-te-da

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #91 on: September 29, 2022, 05:51:39 AM »
You guys are so funny! Every once in a while I'll open my spam folder, just to see what comes in. I think I'm happy enough with the size of my boobs, and no need for the male enhancements or... stiffeners. ;)
I write various flavors of speculative fiction. This is my main pen name.

 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #92 on: September 30, 2022, 04:30:14 AM »
Spammers are getting desperate.  Today I got one basically saying that if you use toilet paper to wipe yourself after a bowel movement, it could be an early warning sign that you may have cancer, diabetes, a weight problem or be at risk for a stroke.  And that is a "medical fact."

This is because animals don't need to wipe themselves after a bowel movement so if you do then something is wrong.

I guess they forgot that, instead of using toilet paper, many animals lick themselves clean.  Or, in the case of dogs, scoot across the carpet.

:shocked:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #93 on: September 30, 2022, 04:50:19 AM »
Spammers are getting desperate.  Today I got one basically saying that if you use toilet paper to wipe yourself after a bowel movement, it could be an early warning sign that you may have cancer, diabetes, a weight problem or be at risk for a stroke.  And that is a "medical fact."

This is because animals don't need to wipe themselves after a bowel movement so if you do then something is wrong.

I guess they forgot that, instead of using toilet paper, many animals lick themselves clean.  Or, in the case of dogs, scoot across the carpet.

:shocked:


Animals also don't get spam emails, so they must be doing something right.  ;)
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #94 on: October 29, 2022, 06:10:04 AM »
Well, the change hasn't really helped with the onslaught of comment form spam.  It has reduced it but still receiving it, though still not getting anything on the main contact form for the site, only the author contact form.  :shrug

Anyway, I was getting 2 or 3 a day from apparently the same place advertising, well, I don't remember.  Something for money or whatever.  But, they listed the same Telegram handle on each on.  So, I added that handle to the filtering I have and--presto!--no more spam from them.

Some of these spammers are beyond stupid.  "Reply to this message for more information" like it's eMail spam rather than comment form spam.  At least be smart enough to tailor your message for your spamming method.

I am tempted to actually send a bill to some of these spammers that leave contact information just to see how they might react.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Hopscotch

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #95 on: November 04, 2022, 05:21:54 AM »
Just rcvd this merry scamspam:

"Your yearly help for five contraption used is begun.  Your record has been charged for $307.91 for this help program.  likewise, it with willing be reflected in your records inside the going with 2 working days as '360 Security charge updation'  We regard you for picking Norton.360 for your shielded web looking program."

If I were techie, I'd write a thriller about tracking down bozos like this to give them a talking to, or at least an English lesson.
. .
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #96 on: November 04, 2022, 05:29:55 AM »
Just rcvd this merry scamspam:

"Your yearly help for five contraption used is begun.  Your record has been charged for $307.91 for this help program.  likewise, it with willing be reflected in your records inside the going with 2 working days as '360 Security charge updation'  We regard you for picking Norton.360 for your shielded web looking program."

If I were techie, I'd write a thriller about tracking down bozos like this to give them a talking to, or at least an English lesson.

When I see spam like that, I wonder, is it so hard to find an authentic eMail bill from somewhere and, you know, COPY it word for word?  I doubt spammers have any concern over plagiarism.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #97 on: November 06, 2022, 07:56:06 AM »
Apparently, I am getting a divorce.

I guess we've grown apart these past few years.  I mean, he/she's never at home when I am.  I don't even know if my spouse is a man or a woman or otherwise.  We've never actually met.  I only found out a few years ago that I was married when I searched myself online and various sites reported that I am now (as of then) married.  So, my spouse and I spend a lot of time apart.  Whoever he/she is most likely doesn't even have a key to the house.  Probably a good thing.  I don't know how well I can trust this spouse of mine.

So, I suppose it's no surprise we're getting a divorce now.

Shocking that it came in an eMail.

Subject line said: "You getting a divorce"

Sounds kind of final, like he/she doesn't even want to try to work things out.

On the other hand, according to the eMail, a new girl wants to meet me.  And she's a "hottie."  Probably also Russian given that the URL ends in .ru.

But what if I was looking for a new guy instead?  Silly spammer probably didn't do any research.  Just assumed they had a 50/50 chance, you know?

It's that kind of lack of attention to detail that bugs me about spammers, among many other things, mind you.

Anyway, bottom line is that I'm apparently single and available now.  Not that anyone cares, of course.  But, if there are kids I don't know about, I could probably use some help finding them, unless they are hiding under the desk.  Nope.  Not there.  So, you know, if you're single and don't want to see kids that may or may not exist starve to death, don't be afraid to offer some help finding them.  They could be anywhere.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: sliderule, Hopscotch

She-la-te-da

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #98 on: November 07, 2022, 08:56:00 AM »
I hate election time. All that paper wasted. I know who I'm voting for, I know how to look things up on the internet thing. It's still around, right? Oh, and I also know that I've voted in the last six elections (well, the last however many since 1982). Thanks for the reminder notice, snottily telling me that it's the right of my neighbors to know who is voting in their community. Except, you listed the elections I voted in, not my neighbors' records. Hm. Sounds kind of stupid, doesn't it? I'm forgetful, but it's not that bad yet.

Between this and the phone calls telling me I may have been injured in the Camp Lejuene mess the last fifty years... Never been there in my life. I had friends who married Marines. I'm pretty sure they're smart enough to figure out how to join a class action suit.

And don't get me started on all the Medicare insurance benefits I may miss, if I don't reply to this letter right this freaking second! And burial insurance. FFS I seem to recall knowing how to look this crap up on the internet, too.
I write various flavors of speculative fiction. This is my main pen name.

 

She-la-te-da

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #99 on: November 07, 2022, 08:57:42 AM »
Hey, Post-Crisis D! Good luck in your divorce. I hope you take him/her/them for all the money. And full custody of the missing kids. They have to be around somewhere.
I write various flavors of speculative fiction. This is my main pen name.

 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #100 on: November 07, 2022, 10:13:51 AM »
Between this and the phone calls telling me I may have been injured in the Camp Lejuene mess the last fifty years... Never been there in my life. I had friends who married Marines. I'm pretty sure they're smart enough to figure out how to join a class action suit.

There have been ads on that on TV one after another, from different law firms.  Now the local veterans agencies are advertising to tell veterans that may have served at Camp Lejuene to contact the local agency who can help them for free.

Alas, they don't have the advertising budgets of the law firms so those ads don't run nearly as often.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

notthatamanda

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #101 on: November 07, 2022, 12:11:34 PM »
What local veterans agencies? I'm dubious. Sounds like just another law firm looking to cash in. It's a class action lawsuit, none of the law firms advertising to sign up clients are going to charge the clients, they just want to sign up as many people as possible to increase their own cut.

The Veteran's administration site has a lot of information about disability benefits for Camp Lejeune victims, but nothing about the lawsuit.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #102 on: November 07, 2022, 12:28:52 PM »
What local veterans agencies? I'm dubious. Sounds like just another law firm looking to cash in.

They are local agencies overseen by the county government.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

notthatamanda

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #103 on: November 07, 2022, 09:24:30 PM »
Thanks for the clarification.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #104 on: November 08, 2022, 06:32:37 AM »
Okay, which one of you is the spammer?

Because after I posted this:

I am tempted to actually send a bill to some of these spammers that leave contact information just to see how they might react.

Spam comments slowed down and have seemingly now stopped.  :icon_think:

I had to send myself a test on Saturday just to make sure it was working.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #105 on: November 08, 2022, 08:10:00 AM »
On the other hand, according to the eMail, a new girl wants to meet me.  And she's a "hottie."  Probably also Russian given that the URL ends in .ru.


A Russian hottie, eh?  Awesome!  What could possibly go wrong?    :icon_eek:
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 
The following users thanked this post: sliderule

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #106 on: November 15, 2022, 05:40:03 AM »
The spam comments are back.

I'm wondering if changing the name on the submit button from "Submit" to "Add to Cart" will deter bots.  Ah, heck.  I'm gonna try it . . .
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

She-la-te-da

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #107 on: November 24, 2022, 08:20:01 AM »
Ah, yes, the continuous commercials!

The VA doesn't want vets signing up to lawsuits because it's admitting the government harmed service members. When we sign up, we agree that we can't suit the government for anything that happens to us. Congress had to pass a bill for this, and I'm still surprised they did.
I write various flavors of speculative fiction. This is my main pen name.

 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #108 on: December 09, 2022, 03:38:16 AM »
The spam comments are back.

I'm wondering if changing the name on the submit button from "Submit" to "Add to Cart" will deter bots.  Ah, heck.  I'm gonna try it . . .

Instead of that, I made it a payment button.

So far, now I'm only getting foreign language spam.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #109 on: January 27, 2023, 07:05:24 AM »
Oh, silly spammers . . .

"If your is still in the market for additional funding . . ."

I mean, wow.

On top of that, it was sent to my eMail address and the company name listed is mine, but it isn't addressed to me.  The last name is my father's first name and the first name is something out of Battlestar Galactica.

:icon_think:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #110 on: March 19, 2023, 06:34:13 AM »
For those following along in the battle against comment spam, which is probably no one, I have a new update.

My last change was to have the "Submit" button read "Commit to Pay."

Overall, spam comments are down but not completely eliminated.

Meanwhile, the site's contact page has gotten no comment spam in months.  For those who don't want to scroll back, I have two comment forms on the site.  One is for the main site and one is for my author section of the site.

Earlier this week, I re-examined the two forms to try to figure out what the difference is.  Why does one get no comment spam and the other gets a regular barrage of it?  Especially baffling is that the main contact page should be easier to find as it is at the root level of the site whereas my author section is in its own directory.

Then I noticed that, in addition to everything else, I had at some point also added a field on the main contact page that asked the submitter to spell a specific word.  Not hard to do especially when the word is right there but it's apparently something bots aren't able to figure out yet.  Thank goodness for that.

So, I added such a field to my author contact page.

So far, so good.  We'll see how it holds up long term.

I should also add something to track how many form submissions get rejected.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #111 on: March 19, 2023, 07:27:13 AM »
Much of the spam from my website is from what I'd call bottom feeders in the self-pub industry. People trying to convince me to pay them to advertise my books to their supposedly large and responsive Twitter or Facebook accounts. I'm not sure that the clever spelling test would rule them out--unless they simply spam every website whose address they can find. In which case, yes, it would be useful. Do you have code for the spelling test that I could copy to add to my site?
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #112 on: March 19, 2023, 08:02:09 AM »
Much of the spam from my website is from what I'd call bottom feeders in the self-pub industry. People trying to convince me to pay them to advertise my books to their supposedly large and responsive Twitter or Facebook accounts. I'm not sure that the clever spelling test would rule them out--unless they simply spam every website whose address they can find.

The ones I get are more of a general "promote your business" nature.  Or SEO.  Or services that will remove negative reviews of my business.  I don't recall any that actually recognized I write books.


In which case, yes, it would be useful. Do you have code for the spelling test that I could copy to add to my site?

It's very simple PHP code.  I could PM it to you, but you'd have to figure out where to insert it into your comment form.  Also, obviously, your comment form would have to be parsed by PHP for it to work.

If your site is a WordPress site, then it won't work.  I did a number of custom PHP thingies for my WordPress sites back in the day and I gave up on trying to make any of them into plugins anyone else could use.  I used them on my own site by manually editing the pages in the WordPress install.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #113 on: March 19, 2023, 11:11:56 AM »
My site is indeed a WordPress site, hosted by SiteGround. Oh, well. It was an idea.

I don't get much spam anyway. I do wonder if one of the self-pub gurus sold me out to the bottom feeders. It's so silly. They all claim they can sell books of mine via methods I have tried that do not work.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #114 on: March 19, 2023, 12:40:20 PM »
My site is indeed a WordPress site, hosted by SiteGround. Oh, well. It was an idea.

I've coded tons of stuff in PHP but WordPress is a royal PITA.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Bill Hiatt

  • Trilogy unlocked
  • *****
  • Posts: 3735
  • Thanked: 1326 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Tickling the imagination one book at a time
    • Bill Hiatt's Author Website
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #115 on: March 19, 2023, 11:43:55 PM »
Akismet seems to take care of the comment spam on my Wordpress site pretty well, but if you're using any kind of comment form plugin, you can probably add a field that would have the same result. I haven't used a comment form plugin recently, but my recollection is that the good ones were pretty customizable.


Tickling the imagination one book at a time
Bill Hiatt | fiction website | education website | Facebook author page | Twitter
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #116 on: March 21, 2023, 01:20:21 AM »
I can second the Akismet recommendation.  I forgot about that one since I don't really have any WordPress sites of my own anymore.  I do have client sites using WordPress and Akismet seems to work well for them.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Hopscotch

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #117 on: March 21, 2023, 02:03:11 AM »
Help!  Have begun getting nasty spam in Google Drive where I backup manuscripts.  The spam hits Drive as a shared/collaboration document and there is no gmail-like spam filter.  Google will not allow me to turn off the collaboration function.  I can block individual spammers but they return under other names.  Any other ideas out there except to stop using Drive?
. .
 

Bill Hiatt

  • Trilogy unlocked
  • *****
  • Posts: 3735
  • Thanked: 1326 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Tickling the imagination one book at a time
    • Bill Hiatt's Author Website
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #118 on: March 21, 2023, 11:05:29 PM »
That's disturbing. But I'm not clear how someone uploads anything to your Google drive.

None of this helps? https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9310248?hl=en#Drive_change_permissions

If the stuff is coming is as collaboration, it sounds as if it shouldn't be coming in if all of your documents are unshared or otherwise restricted.

I haven't used Google Drive that much lately, but I just checked mine, and there's absolutely no spam. And as I recall, a while ago, Google did away with documents being shared just with a link (which would have enabled spam if a hacker got ahold of the link, or so I imagine).

If you're looking for an alternative, I can recommend Dropbox, which has always worked well for me.


Tickling the imagination one book at a time
Bill Hiatt | fiction website | education website | Facebook author page | Twitter
 

Hopscotch

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #119 on: March 21, 2023, 11:52:36 PM »
Thanks, Bill, for the suggestion and link, however the link's solution is whack-a-mole.  I've tried it.  Turns out I am not alone w/the Drive/spam problem - others online report the same.  Access appears to be via your gmail address.  You may never have used shared files/collaboration (I never have) but the villains creep into your Drive files.  I sometimes see the same or similar address in my gmail spam folder, so I suspect they are shotgunning.  Google knows of the problem but offers no global solution.  The quick and easy fix is a user option to turn off file sharing altogether.  Or, as you say, Dropbox.
. .
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #120 on: March 22, 2023, 12:11:20 AM »
If you want alternatives to Google Drive, there's also OnlyOffice.com.  They have both a cloud-based and self-hosted solutions.  They're also more privacy oriented than Google or Dropbox so perhaps there'd be less chance of spam.

Why not just backup to an external hard drive?  You can get small ones that fit in your pocket, so they're easy to take with you if you work remotely and small enough to not take a lot of room in a media safe.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #121 on: March 30, 2023, 09:16:15 AM »
So far, so good.  We'll see how it holds up long term.

Almost two weeks now and no spam comments.  :banana:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #122 on: April 07, 2023, 09:45:16 AM »
So far, so good.  We'll see how it holds up long term.

Almost two weeks now and no spam comments.  :banana:

Almost three weeks and still no spam comments.  :banana:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #123 on: May 25, 2023, 05:41:06 AM »
Silly phone spammers.

Spammer: "Can I speak to the owner?"

Me: "He's not in.  Can I take a message?"

Spammer: "That's okay.  I can speak to a manager.  Are you the manager?"

Me: "No.  He's not in either.  Can I take a message?"

Spammer: "Can I speak to whoever is in charge of the business when they're not in?  I can hold."

The last line was a mistake.

Me: "Sure."  *Click to put on hold.*

There was no one else here at the time.

They waited on hold for maybe two minutes before hanging up and calling again.

I didn't answer the second time.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jan Hurst-Nicholson

  • Epic Novel unlocked
  • ****
  • Posts: 1171
  • Thanked: 302 times
  • Don't let your emotions overpower your intellect
    • Just4kix Books
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #124 on: May 29, 2023, 05:50:49 AM »
Silly phone spammers.

Spammer: "Can I speak to the owner?"

Me: "He's not in.  Can I take a message?"

Spammer: "That's okay.  I can speak to a manager.  Are you the manager?"

Me: "No.  He's not in either.  Can I take a message?"

Spammer: "Can I speak to whoever is in charge of the business when they're not in?  I can hold."

The last line was a mistake.

Me: "Sure."  *Click to put on hold.*

There was no one else here at the time.

They waited on hold for maybe two minutes before hanging up and calling again.

I didn't answer the second time.

You can simply say: "Hold on, I'll call him." Yell: "Harry, it's for you." Then leave the phone off the hook.
If they are looking for a female say, "She's upstairs with a client. Do you want to wait?" Grin

Non-fiction, Fiction, family saga, humour, short stories, teen, children's
Jan Hurst-Nicholson | author website
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #125 on: June 06, 2023, 01:25:18 AM »
So far, so good.  We'll see how it holds up long term.

Almost two weeks now and no spam comments.  :banana:

Almost three weeks and still no spam comments.  :banana:

About two and a half months now and still no spam comments.  :banana:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #126 on: November 17, 2023, 05:18:12 AM »
So far, so good.  We'll see how it holds up long term.

Almost two weeks now and no spam comments.  :banana:

Almost three weeks and still no spam comments.  :banana:

About two and a half months now and still no spam comments.  :banana:

Two days shy of eight months and still no spam comments.  :banana:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 
The following users thanked this post: djmills

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #127 on: December 12, 2023, 05:28:04 AM »
Oh, silly spammers, you are so, so dumb.

Received today, which is Monday, December 11, 2023.

Quote
We noticed that [My eMail Address] has not accepted our new terms and will be disconnected from [My Mail Server] today 13th of February 2023,

Tap below and sign-in to get an updated mailbox to avoid being disconnected from our service.

They could at least try to get today's date right.  :shrug
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jan Hurst-Nicholson

  • Epic Novel unlocked
  • ****
  • Posts: 1171
  • Thanked: 302 times
  • Don't let your emotions overpower your intellect
    • Just4kix Books
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #128 on: December 12, 2023, 05:31:31 AM »
Oh, silly spammers, you are so, so dumb.

Received today, which is Monday, December 11, 2023.

Quote
We noticed that [My eMail Address] has not accepted our new terms and will be disconnected from [My Mail Server] today 13th of February 2023,

Tap below and sign-in to get an updated mailbox to avoid being disconnected from our service.

They could at least try to get today's date right.  :shrug

 :icon_rolleyes: :hehe

Non-fiction, Fiction, family saga, humour, short stories, teen, children's
Jan Hurst-Nicholson | author website
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #129 on: December 18, 2023, 07:34:38 AM »
Part of a spam received today:

Quote
Dear member, We have noticed that you signed up an account in our system one year ago. However, it appears that you haven't logged into your personal cabinet for an extended period. We would like to inform you of the significance of using the platform on the platform.

Personal cabinet?  I'm guessing their spam thesaurus software went wild and substituted "cabinet" for "wallet."

I especially like the part about "the significance of using the platform on the platform."  LOL.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #130 on: December 18, 2023, 06:18:18 PM »
I especially like the part about "the significance of using the platform on the platform."  LOL.


Yo, dawg... I heard you like to log in to platforms, so I put a platform in your platform so you can log in while you log in.   :cool:
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D, Anarchist

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #131 on: December 18, 2023, 06:23:00 PM »
I especially like the part about "the significance of using the platform on the platform."  LOL.


Yo, dawg... I heard you like to log in to platforms, so I put a platform in your platform so you can log in while you log in.   :cool:

Isn't that called phishing?
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #132 on: December 19, 2023, 07:30:54 AM »
This wasn't spam: A major credit card company said it saw suspicious activity on a dormant account. I went to the website the smart way, found the issue, and discovered that the credit card company is monitoring my relationship with a small department store. Probably the bank is the true issuer of the store card. Or else it's just nosy. And no, the activity wasn't suspicious, nor was the account dormant. Just dormant-ish.

Some email did show up recently claiming my email would be shut down, but I just deleted that piece of nonsense.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #133 on: December 21, 2023, 05:27:50 AM »
Not spam but a dumb ad:

Quote
Heart Surgeon Begs Americans: "Stop Doing This To Your Blueberries"

The ad is illustrated with an animated GIF of a doctor pointing at a bowl of raspberries.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #134 on: January 07, 2024, 10:36:35 AM »
Just got an eMail from my credit card company (not really) . . .

Subject: Hight Security Alert!

Wow, not a high security alert but a hight one.  Must be pretty important to earn that t.

Quote
Dear Value Customer,

Your request was not granted

 
High Security Alert!

We recieved a rush call to reset your account User ID, Password, To us this call look suspicious and fradulent.
For your protection, your account has been flagged as numerous that needs to be reviewed
    We strongly suggest, that you try to do the following
                   
                      Review your account Now
                    Complete all verification process

Once you've done this your account will be removed from the flagged accounts automatically

Your account security is important to us. We are sorry for any inconviniences.

Well, to me, this eMail looks "suspicious and fradulent."   :icon_rofl:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #135 on: January 26, 2024, 02:56:32 AM »
Got a new one today.  It appears to be a fake order from Zappos.  It looks like a receipt and all the products listed have links to Zappos.  I didn't click any links but they all appear to be legit links.

The receipt has my name (my legal name and not my "common" name) along with my home address as the ship-to address.  Says it was paid via PayPal.

However, it was sent to an eMail address that is not associated with my PayPal address.  I'm going to log into my PayPal account later just to double check but I am sure this is fake as I haven't received any confirmation eMail from PayPal itself.

No suspicious links or attachments.

There is a customer service phone number, which is not Zappos' customer service number listed on their website.  So, I am guessing the scam here is that it's meant to look legit and you're supposed to think, whoa!  I didn't order any of this! and then call them where they scam you somehow.

Not sure how they would do it with PayPal.  A credit card, sure.  Well, maybe they'll say it was paid via PayPal with a credit card.  And then want your credit card number to issue a refund.  Still, you'd think a regular PayPal user would know that's not how it works.  Be easier just to claim it was paid via credit card in the first place, but even then you would think you would realize they didn't know the last four digits of the card used.

I don't know.  But, I'm not calling the number to try to figure out exactly how they plan to try to scam you.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

LilyBLily

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #136 on: January 26, 2024, 06:11:58 AM »
I got one saying my QuickBooks account had been frozen. I don't have a QuickBooks account. Good thing it's frozen, huh?

I got one saying they found my password online and have infiltrated all my computers and the usual bs. If you believe a computer without a camera can take a photo of you anyway, you're ripe for this scam.

Meanwhile, people/bots keep trying to break into my Facebook account by changing my password. I changed it a while ago to a very long and randomly generated password. Even as stupid a company as Facebook should notice if a million attempts to log in to one account happened in a short amount of time. Or are FB's computers oblivious? As far as I understand it, a password hack attempt has to be tested by accessing the site. How else would an evil computer know it had found the real password? The site under attack has to let it keep trying, but most sites lock you out after X number of tries--usually three. So, maybe in 50 years a very patient bot might be able to hack my FB password?
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #137 on: February 15, 2024, 02:40:24 AM »
Got spam today.

Apparently, I've won the Ontario UK lottery.

:icon_think:
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

TimothyEllis

  • Forum Owner
  • Administrator
  • Series unlocked
  • ******
  • Posts: 6437
  • Thanked: 2511 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Earth Galaxy core, 2618
    • The Hunter Imperium Universe
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #138 on: February 15, 2024, 02:44:47 AM »
The forum is getting a lot of spammers at the moment as well.

Somehow, after not getting any for ages, we suddenly seem to be back on their radar again.
Genres: Space Opera/Fantasy/Cyberpunk, with elements of LitRPG and GameLit, with a touch of the Supernatural. Also Spiritual and Games.



Timothy Ellis Kindle Author page. | Join the Hunter Legacy mailing list | The Hunter Imperium Universe on Facebook. | Forum Promo Page.
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #139 on: February 15, 2024, 03:05:51 AM »
The forum is getting a lot of spammers at the moment as well.

Somehow, after not getting any for ages, we suddenly seem to be back on their radar again.

The lottery spam was eMail.

On the comment forms on my website, I have not received any spam since March or so of last year.  They may still be trying and probably are--I haven't checked--but the changes I made that I mentioned earlier in the thread appear to be effectively blocking any spam attempts from going through and reaching me.
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Jeff Tanyard

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #140 on: February 15, 2024, 12:59:39 PM »
Got spam today.

Apparently, I've won the Ontario UK lottery.

:icon_think:


Grand prize is a set of Sheffield steak knives and a lifetime supply of maple syrup.   :icon_mrgreen:
v  v  v  v  v    Short Stories    v  v  v  v  v    vv FREE! vv
     
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy (some day) | Author Website
 
The following users thanked this post: Post-Crisis D

Bill Hiatt

  • Trilogy unlocked
  • *****
  • Posts: 3735
  • Thanked: 1326 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Tickling the imagination one book at a time
    • Bill Hiatt's Author Website
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #141 on: February 16, 2024, 01:25:47 AM »
The favorite tactic I'm seeing at the moment is requests to update my profile, usually from a site or company I don't have any connection to. I also still get the security alerts that aren't real. It's so easy to see through all of these, but I guess some people get taken in, or it wouldn't be so common.


Tickling the imagination one book at a time
Bill Hiatt | fiction website | education website | Facebook author page | Twitter
 

Post-Crisis D

Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #142 on: February 16, 2024, 03:06:57 AM »
The favorite tactic I'm seeing at the moment is requests to update my profile, usually from a site or company I don't have any connection to. I also still get the security alerts that aren't real. It's so easy to see through all of these, but I guess some people get taken in, or it wouldn't be so common.

I get those too, but some have been from ones with which I do have accounts, so you always have to double-check.  But, typically, they're easy to see because the eMail address will be with either a suspicious looking domain name (like writersanctuum.com or writer-sanctum.com*) or be entirely different.  Or, they will address you as "Valued Customer" or something generic when companies you have accounts with have your name on file.  I received one the other day that listed "Account Ending XXXX" with the actual Xs not the last four digits of your account number.  I suppose some people fall for that one but it's like why bother including "Account Ending" when you can't include the actual digits (because spammers don't have them)?  Better to just leave it off, in my opinion.

But, on the other hand, there are a couple suppliers I have that will send eMail invoices or other account notices and actually open the message with "Dear Customer."  :HB  I have to always double-check those to make sure they are legitimate.  But, it's like, ugh, don't do that!
Mulder: "If you're distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above."
The X-Files: "Blood"
 

Bill Hiatt

  • Trilogy unlocked
  • *****
  • Posts: 3735
  • Thanked: 1326 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Tickling the imagination one book at a time
    • Bill Hiatt's Author Website
Re: Silly Spammers
« Reply #143 on: February 16, 2024, 05:37:39 AM »
It's very true that one has to look carefully. Some time back, I did fall for an update notice for AOL that looked genuine. I think it was right after the last ownership change, and the request was supposedly related to that. I forget what the exact wording was. Fortunately, I realized right after I'd responded that the message was fake. I immediately changed my user name and password. Evidently, I was fast enough to beat them to the punch. But after that, I became even more careful


Tickling the imagination one book at a time
Bill Hiatt | fiction website | education website | Facebook author page | Twitter