How to Spot a Scammer

[Jason]

One easy way is if the domain in their email address doesn't work.

 

[zoldos]

I use a plugin for my XF forum that verifies the domain of a new registrant's e-mail, and denies the account if it doesn't exist.

 

[Arantor]

Does it sound too good to be true? It almost certainly is.

 

[Cedric]

@Joeychgo released a good blog article a while ago:

Dealing with Scammers

This is a little about how I have dealt with a particular type of scammer on my forums. First, let me point out that, to me, there is a difference between scammers and spammers. A spammer joins the site and posts ads or links for some BS. (porn sites, gambling sites, stuff like that.) A...

• Joeychgo
• Aug 3, 2023
• Comments: 1
• Category: Managing Your Community

 

[Jason]

I use a plugin for my XF forum that verifies the domain of a new registrant's e-mail, and denies the account if it doesn't exist.

He/she wasn't registering on my forum, just sending me an email to my regular email address.

 

[Cory]

I know I've had a few eBay phishing emails before, but I always view eBay first to determine if they are legit or not. Most of the time you can tell just by looking at them, though.

 

[zoldos]

He/she wasn't registering on my forum, just sending me an email to my regular email address.

Like your forum's e-mail? Mine is send only....

 

[Jason]

Like your forum's e-mail? Mine is send only....

I never use the forum email, but i want to get into it.

 

[Liam]

Poor spelling/grammar is normally a dead giveaway. Or when they don’t address you by name and simply use your email (or no name at all)

 

[Cory]

Poor spelling/grammar is normally a dead giveaway. Or when they don’t address you by name and simply use your email (or no name at all)

Not to mention bad imagery. I've seen a few phishing emails that had ugly images that surely weren't from the official website.

 

[zoldos]

I never use the forum email, but i want to get into it.

I use external mail services. Also, several large personal e-mail services can let you use a custom domain. Might have to pay a bit, but these generally have much better deliverability and support.

 

[MrDawn]

One easy way is if the domain in their email address doesn't work.

or if they ask you for money lol

 

[zoldos]

or if they ask you for money lol

Can I have some money? lol

 

[MrDawn]

Can I have some money? lol

If you can beat me at a game of poker

 

[zoldos]

If you can beat me at a game of poker

That's from All Good Things. You never see Picard playing poker with the crew in any other episode. 🤣

 

[MrDawn]

That's from All Good Things. You never see Picard playing poker with the crew in any other episode. 🤣

Probably because he lost lmao

 

[zoldos]

Probably because he lost lmao

hehe Yeah because Data keeps stacking the deck. 3's, all 3's!

 

[MrDawn]

hehe Yeah because Data keeps stacking the deck. 3's, all 3's!

The game was rigged loooool.

 

[Empire]

you have to think like a spammer to catch them

 

[Debashis]

Always look for red flags like unsolicited contact, requests for personal information or money, inconsistent or vague information, and pressure to act quickly. Trust your instincts and do thorough research before engaging with someone online or over the phone.