Author

Topic: SPAMBOT hunting: report spambot promoted threads (Read 442 times)

legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
This bounty urges people to respond to the thread with just their username, which has resulted to quite some spam bumping and is against the rules: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--4613036

Note following two responses by the same user for the same campaign, using different usernames each time. This hints fakeness.
The campaign manager is likely utilizing some automation to bump the thread with those low quality responses.

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--4613036 - archive https://archive.is/bFlbv
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--4613036

archive of all https://archive.fo/nSyft
legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
I agree that threads with gross spam all over them should be locked, or even better outright deleted. In the event that the majority of pages consist of spam, it's highly likely that the project advertised in the OP has paid for spam-bumping.
full member
Activity: 420
Merit: 184
...
Well, my shift of reporting starts soon, and I've just taken a quick look, and have already found several threads with the same bullshit as always. I think a general observation I've made is that threads which have "free" or "airdrop" in the title generate a lot more of these sort of replies.
...

I don't want to confuse cause and correlation here, but over 50% of my unhandled reports were processed overnight after I started noting that the history of a user/bot is full of the same type of messages.

I'm definitely seeing less of the word salad spam already this morning, but more of the usual, "nice project," shitposts. At least the word salad posts elicited the occasional chuckle; this shit just makes my eyes glaze over.

For example, the last 12 pages of the RoomDao ANN thread is comprised of nothing but newbies and jr. members spamming each other, and that represents a mere 4 hours of posts!?! https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3130310.1980

In cases like this, I feel like the ANN thread itself should be nuked, just as has been done to Privcy [sic] several times.

legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
Another very popular phrase by spammers:
What will u do with unsold tokens?

It originates here probably:

https://medium.com/@petehumiston/50-questions-to-ask-when-evaluating-an-initial-coin-offering-ico-82d130501ee0

As well as many other canned questions.
Sad but true. Sad Good detective work.


I picked one of the questions in the linked article randomly and it was all over bitcointalk. Also, short tutorial for wannabe Spam-busters above.
hero member
Activity: 776
Merit: 557
Can we not just ban certain phrases to avoid this problem? Maybe not the "What will u do with unsold tokens?" but other phrases such as the "great project" or maybe setup a bot which automatically deletes these sort of messages.
legendary
Activity: 3654
Merit: 8909
https://bpip.org
Another very popular phrase by spammers:
What will u do with unsold tokens?

It originates here probably:

https://medium.com/@petehumiston/50-questions-to-ask-when-evaluating-an-initial-coin-offering-ico-82d130501ee0

As well as many other canned questions.
legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
Another very popular phrase by spammers:
What will u do with unsold tokens?
Oftentimes posted on the same threads. I think that when the same plagiarized spammy line gets posted on the same thread as a response over an over it's a pretty clear cut case of the OP utilizing spam-bumping services.

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/anncgocanceled-clash-go-ar-strategy-game-3375991
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annsgocanceled-selfie-go-ar-social-network-3375271
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-akaiito-use-cryptocurrency-in-your-every-day-life-2804929
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-akaiito-use-cryptocurrency-in-your-every-day-life-2804929
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-librecash-stablecoin-with-transparent-proof-of-reserve-backing-3386155
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-kasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-3188941
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-telluria-german-reliability-european-quality-95-ready-product-3382728
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-kasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-3188941
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-ico-intro-eco-system-for-residential-construction-market-players-2856412
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/airdropkasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-1500000-k2g-3214041
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/airdropkasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-1500000-k2g-3214041
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/airdropkasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-1500000-k2g-3214041
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-kasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-3188941
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/airdropkasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-1500000-k2g-3214041
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.35987990
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/airdropkasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-1500000-k2g-3214041
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-kasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-3188941
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.34386894
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-kasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-3188941
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-kasko2go-motor-insurance-with-hi-tech-core-3188941
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-gese-watch-what-you-drink-mvp-started-3252688
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.35411371
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.28242130
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.36198482
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.36555181
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.33928833
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.32761271
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.33646820
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.39693829
legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
Look at those posts! They're switching words to avoid plagiarism checks by the first look but it's not hard to find them. More advanced algorithms can be of course developed for this but my google-fu skills can only help point out perpetrators to this level of obviousness. I'm actually suspicious that some bots are swapping certain placeholder words (as I reported here) with the project's name to make their replies have a more natural feel among all the spam. This looks automated either way, and happens faster than individual posts can be reported.

I'm reporting all those posts, hopefully mods will nuke the accounts also. I'll be providing a list of their profile links below.

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/anncgocanceled-clash-go-ar-strategy-game-3375991
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/archived-3098153
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-winstars-we-are-changing-the-face-of-gambling-3591488
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-qravity-ico-continuous-creation-3913750
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/anntokensale-vhcoin-and-vspark-cheaper-solution-for-global-remittance-3375899
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-soundeon-first-vertically-integrated-blockchain-music-platform-3377820

https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/comliwante-2179632
https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/williams-te-2178887
https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/collins-golfclip-2207492
https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/heatherdoles-2182698
https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/chrisone-2182490
https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/kamens-1248793
staff
Activity: 3304
Merit: 4115
Yep, that's what I worry about, too, when I report several posts in a row; don't want to overwhelm the poor mods with the likes of, "outstanding idea, irreproachable logo, advisable plan!"  Roll Eyes

But, it isn't as bad as I thought. I randomly clicked on the last page of about 30 more ANN threads and only found one more example of word salad like the above. Either that or the mods already got to them...


Well, my shift of reporting starts soon, and I've just taken a quick look, and have already found several threads with the same bullshit as always. I think a general observation I've made is that threads which have "free" or "airdrop" in the title generate a lot more of these sort of replies.

Update: 7 of 7 threads I'm now actively reporting in have had at least 5 shitposts.
full member
Activity: 420
Merit: 184
This shit is everywhere, to the point where I blank it out when catching up, otherwise I end up reporting, not reading.
Back when I was a more trigger happy reporter, I think I single-handedly reduced a thread by about twelve pages of "word salad".

Same here, except not seeing my unhandled report count go down is what mostly stays my hand at reporting more. 

It would help if the Moderators nuked more of these accounts with post histories of complete nonsense (quite a number of them registered early June), especially when the report points out their overall lack of quality.

Totally agree, and the part I bolded I have since incorporated into my reports (ie - pointing out that all/most of the user's other posts are the same as the reported post). Hopefully that will result in nuking rather than single post deletions.

That said, what human - even one that has to rely on Google Translate to make an "Engrish" post - would write something like:

I wish this project grows well and ideally.
Apperceptive idea, impeccably idea, interesting website!

(pulled from the post history of the user/bot you reported).

legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
This shit is everywhere, to the point where I blank it out when catching up, otherwise I end up reporting, not reading.
Back when I was a more trigger happy reporter, I think I single-handedly reduced a thread by about twelve pages of "word salad".

It would help if the Moderators nuked more of these accounts with post histories of complete nonsense (quite a number of them registered early June), especially when the report points out their overall lack of quality.
But they don't seem to, mostly only deleting the one post reported and leaving them to spam again, e.g. from the infamous Arbitao thread, I reported this user for two nonsense posts, with a request for nuking. The two posts are gone, but the shit poster's still live.

My thoughts exactly. Very well said, I actually agree with everything!

I have expressed in multiple threads that I think limitations should be put in place to prevent this abuse. ICOs and altcoins are trying to compete with each other to see who gets on the front all the time and it's getting really annoying. There's now a market for that offered as a service.

IMO a simple solution would be to:
a. Disallow accounts under Member rank from bumping. They will be able to respond but it shouldn't shoot threads at the top. This will stop new accounts without merit to push threads to the top. There could be exceptions for boards like beginners and help and other tech support sections.
b. For accounts below Member rank, introduce reCaptcha for each post. This would simply curb automation.

It would also be useful if mods were a little more trigger happy with nuking rather than painstakingly deleting posts one by one...
legendary
Activity: 1932
Merit: 1737
"Common rogue from Russia with a bare ass."
This shit is everywhere, to the point where I blank it out when catching up, otherwise I end up reporting, not reading.
Back when I was a more trigger happy reporter, I think I single-handedly reduced a thread by about twelve pages of "word salad".

It would help if the Moderators nuked more of these accounts with post histories of complete nonsense (quite a number of them registered early June), especially when the report points out their overall lack of quality.
But they don't seem to, mostly only deleting the one post reported and leaving them to spam again, e.g. from the infamous Arbitao thread, I reported this user for two nonsense posts, with a request for nuking. The two posts are gone, but the shit poster's still live.
full member
Activity: 420
Merit: 184
...
I constantly ask myself the question whether I'm helping the moderators or if I'm just annoying them with the reports.

Yep, that's what I worry about, too, when I report several posts in a row; don't want to overwhelm the poor mods with the likes of, "outstanding idea, irreproachable logo, advisable plan!"  Roll Eyes

But, it isn't as bad as I thought. I randomly clicked on the last page of about 30 more ANN threads and only found one more example of word salad like the above. Either that or the mods already got to them...

staff
Activity: 3304
Merit: 4115
I'm seeing this style of post all over the altcoin ANN threads now. I just found (and reported) three on the last page of the Bismuth thread and I just picked that one at random, implying there are literally thousands of these spambot posts to deal with.

Kinda depressing, actually.


Theoretically you could report thousands of these posts a day if you had enough time, and willpower. It's already started to effect my browsing of the forum, and a few others things I would like to be doing, but it just needs to be done. I'm hoping that the community can pull together, and start reporting more collectively.
 
I don't know how many times I've reported pages worth of posts, and then within an hour they've already added another 5 pages of spam onto the thread. I constantly ask myself the question whether I'm helping the moderators or if I'm just annoying them with the reports.
full member
Activity: 420
Merit: 184
I'm seeing this style of post all over the altcoin ANN threads now. I just found (and reported) three on the last page of the Bismuth thread and I just picked that one at random, implying there are literally thousands of these spambot posts to deal with.

Kinda depressing, actually.

legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
Same responses posted over and over in the same thread:

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annatftokensale-the-global-eco-blockchain-system-2817270
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.39890573

https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/purge-2015948
https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/petor-1999960

I agree with responses above, I also have tons of unhanded reports.
I'm posting in Meta in hopes that mods will start nuking spammy accounts and potentially locking threads that utilize them. I'm hopeful that there'll be some acknowledgment by staff.
full member
Activity: 420
Merit: 184
Joining the party here... I've been coming across lots of "word salad"* posts lately but when I have reported similar posts in the past they either remain unhandled or marked bad.

Here's are some examples of the type of nonsense I keep seeing (all pulled from the infamous Arbitao [ANN] thread):

This is a very nice idea with ability. Classy results, rational business, a rather interesting design!

I believe it's a good project!
Blameless project, advisable plan.  Good luck all!

It's really great idea!
Irreproachable logo, judicious idea!  Good luck all.

Their idea is quite attractive in my view! A very promising project, flawless vision!  Good luck.

I can't help but note a certain similarity in style, which makes me think this is a not-too-bright conversational bot that just remixes some choice phrases to avoid getting nailed for plagiarism.



* - "word salad" is a term from psychiatry that indicates someone is well down the road to schizophrenia.

legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
We hope for the success of the team and the community supporting this project

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annlive-ico-efirio-p2p-adwords-for-native-advertising-with-bloggers-3843044
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/is-this-a-100x-ico-4142574
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-slt-decentralized-market-ico-3106905
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annkyc-pre-sale-now-open-modern-finance-chain-3264121
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-nauticus-better-banking-e-commerce-using-blockchain-technology-3095196
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annlive-ico-efirio-p2p-adwords-for-native-advertising-with-bloggers-3843044
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-monaco-estate-cryptocurrency-real-estate-investment-fund-ico-2848982
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annlive-ico-efirio-p2p-adwords-for-native-advertising-with-bloggers-3843044
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/anngetaget-idea-implementing-great-ideasbuilding-great-future-airdrop-3398255
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/1500-usersalphafundfantasycom-fantasy-trading-ico-is-livefree-2579397
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-cbc-cashbet-coin-public-sale-live-2816658
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/typerium-30000000-token-bounty-pre-sale-may-30th-3391595
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/airdrop-nvisioncash-nvct-powering-the-global-retail-industry-3182280
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--3143549
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/sportbetchain-airdropprivatesalemainsale-3011255
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-boutspro-bouts-cryptocurrency-of-global-karate-organization-3052864
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-ico-airdrop-luvdub-coin-next-evolution-in-online-dating-4425565
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/50-bonus-ico-xmonetacom-all-in-one-cryptomessenger-2670189
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/how-to-earn-on-ico-3344377
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/closed-2286102
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annairdroptvttvtio-go-to-tvtio-get-0006eth-2690972
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.31503018
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.39880575
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.38142804
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.32968314
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--3205950
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.33553316
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.31537443
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.36273840

Boy this phrase seems popular with spammers. I hope mods will look into purging profiles of those that made plagiarized posts and potentially lock the threads for utilizing spam to be promoted.
I'm trying to find a format to better suit this, hope the above is ok.
legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
The plagiarism from the above thread seems to be blatant by some of the responders. We're onto something here.

https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/saynunicorn-1984110
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.37335862 plagiarized from https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.26880545
Other threads promoted https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annfdc-token-sale-fondo-trading-platform-the-worlds-first-seico-3821952 https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-martcoin-the-first-blockchain-platform-for-betting-in-the-world-3115065 https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/annico-tokengo-business-tokenization-platform-3010616 https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-eon-exscudo-ico-successfully-finished-1781624

& more

Plagiarized comment used 3 times by different spam accounts:
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.36073861
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.39477479
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.36066772

The entirety of those threads is probably a spam landfill. I can't go through every single post looking for plagiarism bot the accoints doing it are posting copied responses almost exclusively. It appears as though someone is employing a network of spam accounts to plagiarize comments and boost threads. If one follows threads those post in a trail of boosted threads could be uncovered.

Look at the double spaces here: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.36164655

The project name is likely a variable word.
Can somebody export all Jr. member accounts from those threads that this network appears to be promoting so they can be banned en masse?
legendary
Activity: 2422
Merit: 1451
Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
There has been some blatant activity of spam-bumping and potentially spam-botting lately. Bumping is used to push threads back to the front page as a promotion method. It's easy for this to get lost amidst the forum's massive activity so I thought about creating a thread to gather them all in one place.

What to do? Simple: post links to thread that appear to be promoted by spam-bumps.

I'll start

Blatant plagiarism in this thread's responses (also whole thread duplicate of now locked https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--3382203)

https://archive.fo/oxWQp#selection-510.0-510.1
https://archive.li/ObhfL#selection-921.15-921.23 Older Plagiarized comments
https://archive.li/PdWgs#selection-1490.0-1490.1 Older Plagiarized comments

Another example in same thread:

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ann-ico-umka-decentralized-labor-market-4360608 plagiarized from https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--3382203

Most accounts from page 5 onwards seem to be newly created for spam.
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