Q: We have a user forum on our website. How do we stop people from spamming it and our email?
May 13 2008
Answered by: Chris Lindsay Ask a question
Spam can be a big problem, filling mailboxes up with junk and wasting time when we have to continually delete them. The simplest way that spammers manage to access forums is to register as a member, and simply link to their website from their member profile.
Many internet providers have policies against this type of spam, and will take action. Unfortunately some providers either don't care or are spam friendly. There are ways you can reduce exposure and complain.
The first step you can take is to report spam emails that have originated in the UK by visiting the Information Commissioner’s Office website where you can download a complaints form. This site will also provide further in-depth knowledge on how to manage spam emails.
Spam emails will almost always invite you to unsubscribe from their mailing list, this is a way for them to confirm your email address is real, never reply just delete straight away.
Your top priority is to ensure that your web page containing the forum is secure. If you include a ‘mailto’ link, expect to get spam mail. Remove the ‘mailto’ and force people to manually enter the email address.
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