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Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:02
KenJ
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SPAM accounts

Hi all,

Is it just me or does it seem that there's an unusually large number of "junk" accounts showing up lately? I just checked the "who's online" and wow, I'm the only one I recognize. eek

Some forum software allows a feature called "moderated sign up" where new accounts need to be authorized before they can post. Not sure if this particular forum software has the feature but it might help cut down on chasing spam posts.

The moderators do a great job of deleting the posts by these junk accounts, but it's obvious the site is getting attacked by spam bots and automatic sign ups. Perhaps Admin should look at it?

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Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:15
PirateGirl
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KenJ I thought it was just me. I'm glad you have seen them also. I haven't had any for this week but last week I was inundated with them.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:17
KenJ
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Just to clarify, I'm not complaining or anything. In the end, it doesn't really affect me. But, I just wanted to mention that there are tools that can combat these auto-spammers by not allowing the accounts to become valid until authorized by someone. You can tell by the names that they are just random words slammed together so they're easy to spot.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:22
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Yup, the admins are aware!
Keeps me busy deleting all of them.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:59
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Yeah!! keeps me busy as well. As Mark said admin and Brad are aware of them.

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Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:04
KenJ
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Thanks MrHub and Vettelover! I know moderation takes a lot of time and your hard work is appreciated. awesome

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:44
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I've noticed it too... I wish I could zap 'em off for ya! LOL Thanks for all your hard work! clapping

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Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:02
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We are indeed aware and work behind the scenes daily to delete what seems to be an increasing amount of spam hitting both our forum and comments on the articles. Brad is aware of the situation and has installed a couple of new codes recently, we just need to keep trying until we find the right one. I am in constant contact with Admin about the issue.

mickey

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:11
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In the last couple of weeks I was thinking it must be a full-time job to just keep up with the spam! Thanks to all the mods for cleaning it up.

Now, if I could just shut off the paypal stuff that is clogging my inbox lately, I'd be a happy camper. No matter how many times I forward the stuff to paypal, (as they ask you to do) new ones pop up. What's funny is I don't have a paypal account. biggrin

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Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:41
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From my observations, most of the spammers seem to appear during the afternoon hours in the USA. Perhaps they know that particular time period is where the users logged in is the fewest in terms of numbers and perhaps the perfect time to set off their spam.

Anyway, glad to know the problem is being addressed! awesome

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Fri, 08/01/2014 - 06:31
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Here!Here! awesome ...I also noticed a surge recently..Well done Mods...

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 12:41
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Well done to the moderators! You have a tough job and I appreciate all you do. clapping

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 12:47
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Thank you for your hard work!!Smile

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 13:04
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Thank you to the Mod's awesome awesome

I wanted to ask- when I see the SPAM I always hit the "report post", assuming it flags it to the Mod's-
but now I'm wondering if that is just more annoying than leaving it alone? The Mod's are on here daily so I'm sure they see it too....

so Mod's ... to hit the report post button or not?

confused

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Fri, 08/01/2014 - 13:24
KenJ
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Having looked into it a bit, it appears that this forum software (Drupal) does support the use of both moderated sign-ups and CAPTCHA challenge/response (where you have to type a phrase into a text box to verify you are human not robot).

By implementing these items, accounts wouldn't be created until a valid response to CAPTCHA is received and even then, they can't post anything until the account is activated.

Either or both of these features would help stop the spambots from getting in. These features would need to be activated by the site administrator though.

Sat, 08/02/2014 - 10:45
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Keep up the good work mod's

awesome awesome awesome

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Sun, 08/03/2014 - 16:45
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KenJ wrote:
Having looked into it a bit, it appears that this forum software (Drupal) does support the use of both moderated sign-ups and CAPTCHA challenge/response (where you have to type a phrase into a text box to verify you are human not robot).

We're not on a straight Drupal platform though, it has been customized so everything doesn't always work seamlessly. However I spoke with Admin on Friday and Brad was able to get in and put some secondary security into our registration process. Hopefully that will help stem the flow of spammers!

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 01:16
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Magic Mirror wrote:
Thank you to the Mod's awesome awesome

I wanted to ask- when I see the SPAM I always hit the "report post", assuming it flags it to the Mod's-
but now I'm wondering if that is just more annoying than leaving it alone? The Mod's are on here daily so I'm sure they see it too....

so Mod's ... to hit the report post button or not?

confused

I do the same and I've often wondered the same.... Any mod wanna put us out of our misery? Should we keep reporting or not bother as you will be on soon enough to remove? Xxxxx

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Mon, 08/04/2014 - 13:51
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RobynPrincess wrote:
Magic Mirror wrote:
Thank you to the Mod's awesome awesome

I wanted to ask- when I see the SPAM I always hit the "report post", assuming it flags it to the Mod's-
but now I'm wondering if that is just more annoying than leaving it alone? The Mod's are on here daily so I'm sure they see it too....

so Mod's ... to hit the report post button or not?

confused

I do the same and I've often wondered the same.... Any mod wanna put us out of our misery? Should we keep reporting or not bother as you will be on soon enough to remove? Xxxxx

mickey Don't worry about reporting the posts button. I believe that information gets sent to Brad & Admin, but it doesn't help the three of us see the spam any sooner.

That being said - if there is an offensive post (vs. random spam) the fastest way to have it seen is to send me a PM. That will send me an email and we can get the message taken care of asap.

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 17:06
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awesome Thank you Kristen!

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Tue, 08/05/2014 - 09:09
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Having just opened up wdwfg this morning all i can say is gaah gaah gaah

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Tue, 08/05/2014 - 10:21
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Mrferret wrote:
Having just opened up wdwfg this morning all i can say is gaah gaah gaah

I hear ya Wink

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Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 11:16
KenJ
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Unfortunately, the secondary security (or whatever was added) doesn't appear to be making a difference. Moderated sign ups and/or good captcha challenge/response are really the only way to combat this IMO.

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 11:24
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Spam, eggs, bacon, spam and spam this morning

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Tue, 08/05/2014 - 16:40
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KenJ wrote:
Unfortunately, the secondary security (or whatever was added) doesn't appear to be making a difference. ... or good captcha challenge/response are really the only way to combat this IMO.

mickey Captcha challenge has been added for new registration, however that only deals with one of the spam issues going on. Most of the spam is occurring during the overnight hours for the US, we are clearing it out at our first available opportunity. With the growth of our website a rise in spam traffic was expected and we are working to combat it the best that we can. We do not wish to discourage posting from Disney fans who come to our site looking for answers to questions, and we are working on creating a balance between security and friendliness. Please bear with us while we figure out the best solutions.

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 16:56
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Just ignore it. The admins will make it go away as soon as they can.

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 17:30
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You know what you need don't you? Someone who is awake before the USA and could get rid of all the spam Wink

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Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 17:49
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RobynPrincess wrote:
You know what you need don't you? Someone who is awake before the USA and could get rid of all the spam Wink

yay yay yay yay

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2019 Florida

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 00:17
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crazycatperson wrote:
Just ignore it. The admins will make it go away as soon as they can.

Exactly !

Wed, 08/06/2014 - 02:24
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RobynPrincess wrote:
You know what you need don't you? Someone who is awake before the USA and could get rid of all the spam Wink

Or......someone in the US who is up all night !

( As they are back on days again and supposed to be zzzzz **ssslleeppingggg gaah )

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Wed, 08/06/2014 - 07:56
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Magic Mirror wrote:
RobynPrincess wrote:
You know what you need don't you? Someone who is awake before the USA and could get rid of all the spam Wink

Or......someone in the US who is up all night !

( As they are back on days again and supposed to be zzzzz **ssslleeppingggg gaah )

Just logged in again this morning and eek eek eek

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