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View Full Version : Hidden Spam on MR?



njmac
Apr 1, 2009, 01:20 AM
:confused: This seems pretty weird to me but I have no idea what it means but I'm guessing it's a new way to spam boards while seeming legit?

This thread... (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7379472&postcount=30) This user name (fast1) has been banned on other boards and uses the same image tag. click on Quote user and you'll see this between image tags: http://**************/img/3322/n09x0302vnsn/clear.gif

Here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7070875&postcount=26) too.

Thread Starter (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=669233&highlight=photosnag) here too.



The only thing I could find on a google search that makes any sense at all is here: http://boardreader.com/domain/************** showing a lot of links coming from MR.


jmann
Apr 1, 2009, 01:22 AM
That is very strange. Are those posters making it like that on purpose? I don't see where that IMG tag would come from. :confused:
WildCowboy
Apr 1, 2009, 01:23 AM
Yes, it's generally cookie stuffing or view tracking via images. Please report any instances of it you spot.
njmac
Apr 1, 2009, 01:24 AM
Yes, it's generally cookie stuffing or view tracking via images. Please report any instances of it you spot.

What does that mean? View tracking via images in email I can understand, but what does random forum posting need to be tracked for?
WildCowboy
Apr 1, 2009, 01:35 AM
They're hidden links that go usually go through redirects that end up planting a cookie on your computer for a referral program. Anytime from then on that you that happen to purchase something from the vendor used in that cookie, the spammers earn referral bonuses. Very sneaky stuff.

They'll frequently use 1x1 pixel images that are essentially invisible, or sometimes they'll use exact copies of the vBulletin smilies that are actually hosted elsewhere.
njmac
Apr 1, 2009, 01:46 AM
Thanks for the explanation. :)
Consultant
Apr 1, 2009, 02:52 PM
Due to the influx of new spam posters, I think implementing the same rules as accessing market place for

- URL embedding in message
- URL embedding in signature
- Live URL links

would cut down on the spam.
Eraserhead
Apr 1, 2009, 02:55 PM
So if you have 3rd party cookies disabled this would be blocked right?
r.j.s
Apr 1, 2009, 02:59 PM
So if you have 3rd party cookies disabled this would be blocked right?

That would make sense ...
DoFoT9
Apr 1, 2009, 10:06 PM
uh oh this cant be good...