vbStopForumSpam - known spammer lookup for new registrations

[imported_dfmafia]

im getting invalid specified file when trying to import the .xml

3.8.3

[unit727]

I uploaded the contents of the upload folder but I can't view the logs on vb 3.8.3 .

[Knightmane]

Um, I am getting an odd report from the Check Version after installing. The product inside the zip seems to be version 0.6, but when you select check version it says you have 0.6 installed, but the latest version is 0.61. Then there is a link directing you back to this page. Is that a mistake or what?

[smirkley]

Premium !!

Thank You !!

vb3.8.2

[pedigree]

0.61 and 0.60 are the same thing, the only difference being a change if you had 0.60 installed. I really must update that but if you installed from 0.61, you run the latest version.

@term - Im working on it but I just got out of hospital, priorities a little mixed at the moment

[pedigree]

im getting invalid specified file when trying to import the .xml

3.8.3

That doesnt really tell me too much Im afraid

[Cereskun]

That doesnt really tell me too much Im afraid

I am getting the same thing when I try to import the product. It doesn't seem to like cpnav_vbstopformspam.xml very much. I am using vBulletin 3.8.3. Has anyone else gotten the import to work with 3.8.3? If not, then it would imply there is a change in what vBulletin deems proper format for these files.

[Mike-D]

I am getting the same thing when I try to import the product. It doesn't seem to like cpnav_vbstopformspam.xml very much. I am using vBulletin 3.8.3. Has anyone else gotten the import to work with 3.8.3? If not, then it would imply there is a change in what vBulletin deems proper format for these files.Are you absolutely sure that you imported this Addon under Plugins & Product => Import Product ??? I guess not because this Addon works great without any known problems by using vB 3.83 ;)

[Cereskun]

Are you absolutely sure that you imported this Addon under Plugins & Product => Import Product ??? I guess not because this Addon works great without any known problems by using vB 3.83 ;)

Yea I'm sure I did that. I tried that and importing from Download/Upload plugins. I also tried importing the product by browsing the file from my computer and also importing from the server.

I don't suppose you can paste you copy of the XML file here can you? It is a really strange problem I agree. The error message isn't that helpful either.

[pedigree]

Come on ppl

"It doesnt work"

gives me nothing to work with

[pedigree]

I am getting the same thing when I try to import the product. It doesn't seem to like cpnav_vbstopformspam.xml very much. I am using vBulletin 3.8.3. Has anyone else gotten the import to work with 3.8.3? If not, then it would imply there is a change in what vBulletin deems proper format for these files.

Its a standard XML file with a different name.

As Im not licensed for 3.8.3, I have to wait for my friend to pay to upgrade his forum so that I have a test bed.

[Nicke71]

Hi Pedigree,

Please support this one. I tried the other one because it was less modifications and just a XML to install, but found out it was not working despite the spammer being in the database for months.

Once I know for sure this works with 3.8.3 I will install it, and I guess lots of people would be very happy with a mod that works with stopforumspam database.

[Itchy Nips]

great mod! installed.

[Cereskun]

Its a standard XML file with a different name.

As Im not licensed for 3.8.3, I have to wait for my friend to pay to upgrade his forum so that I have a test bed.

Fair enough. I am pretty sure that these files are in the proper place on my server:

admincp/vbstopforumspam.php
images/statusicon/vbsfs_submit.gif
images/statusicon/vbsfs_view.gif
includes/functions_vbsfs.php
includes/xml/cpnav_vbstopformspam.xml

is there anything missing from this list?

Thanks.

[pedigree]

Hi Pedigree,

Please support this one. I tried the other one because it was less modifications and just a XML to install, but found out it was not working despite the spammer being in the database for months.

Once I know for sure this works with 3.8.3 I will install it, and I guess lots of people would be very happy with a mod that works with stopforumspam database.

I suggest you reread the mod title

vbStopForumSpam - known spammer lookup for new registrations

There is no support in 0.61 for scanning your current user base, as mentioned several times in the thread. I will try to get something like this built into 0.7 or as a seperate app. It really shouldnt be too hard to add, just finding time is the nightmare problem these days.

This mod does work with the stopforumspam database and I doubt youll find many people in this thread unhappy with the support that I try to offer when I have the time.

[pedigree]

Fair enough. I am pretty sure that these files are in the proper place on my server:

admincp/vbstopforumspam.php
images/statusicon/vbsfs_submit.gif
images/statusicon/vbsfs_view.gif
includes/functions_vbsfs.php
includes/xml/cpnav_vbstopformspam.xml

is there anything missing from this list?

Thanks.

Nope, thats all the files that you need to upload, other than the XML file at install time of course.

Install the mod and go to register.php - does it error or present you with a normal page?

Do you have cURL installed on your server? If not, try to enable it

[Cereskun]

Nope, thats all the files that you need to upload, other than the XML file at install time of course.

Install the mod and go to register.php - does it error or present you with a normal page?

Do you have cURL installed on your server? If not, try to enable it

I can't get the mod to install in the first place so going to register.php works fine (presents a normal page).

I installed cURL on my server and it doesn't seem to be making a difference.

Could it have something to do with the browser/os i am using to upload the XML file? I am on a Mac + Firefox 3.5.1. I've successfully installed plugins before, but maybe something has changed?

[Cereskun]

I just tried the same thing on Windows XP with Firefox/IE and that didn't work either. I guess we can rule that out.

[pedigree]

Your server is running unix or windows? Do you have any other mods installed?

[Cereskun]

Server is Linux and the only mod I have installed is the Post Thank You Hack.

[rasp187]

This is an awesome plugin. Just by implementing it yesterday has trapped over 75 spammers. I love it. I'll definitely use it every time I install vBulletin for a forum. Excellent work.

[Arsh]

any one had issues with the plug in stopping non-spammers? I had a complain from a user who couldn't register. I tried registering myself and couldn't do so. Then I disabled the IP check hoping that would work. That worked alright - I've had about 20+ spam registrations today :( Anyone have any idea how to fix that?

[Arsh]

any one had issues with the plug in stopping non-spammers? I had a complain from a user who couldn't register. I tried registering myself and couldn't do so. Then I disabled the IP check hoping that would work. That worked alright - I've had about 20+ spam registrations today :( Anyone have any idea how to fix that?

I tried again just now:

Registration denied. We check new registrations against a database of known forum spammers. At this time, we are unable to contact this database to verify your registration. We are sorry for the inconvenience but please do try again later.

[qubed]

i have encountered the same thing as arsh - i had to completely uninstall the plugin in as it was preventing any users from registering even if their address/ip was not banned or part of the stopforumspam ips/addresses.

any idea on what has caused this?

[J105C]

i have encountered the same thing as arsh - i had to completely uninstall the plugin in as it was preventing any users from registering even if their address/ip was not banned or part of the stopforumspam ips/addresses.

any idea on what has caused this?
Last Update: 06 May 2009

Perhaps it's outdated lol

[pedigree]

Working as it should, you need to read more about what the mod does.

If a person cant register, then check your logs and find out why. If theyre registering from AOL, then no surprise. Check the stopforumspam.com site for the users listing.

There is an option to set an expiry "timeout" - If you want people registering from old "expired as you say" addresses, then set the expiry period to 30 days.

No where does any spam / filtering system guarantee no "collateral damage"

You can disable fields that it tests on.

You can create the user manually in the admincp

You can tell the user that theyre coming from a spam friend ISP

You can uninstall the mod

[pedigree]

any idea on what has caused this?

Your config?

How about, I dont know, posting a log or something when you have an issue. I can not be expected to know your config or why something as vague as "why did it not work"

[mattwmc2001]

I just noticed all these registration attempts by goofy names, however not one has got through.

I use human verification ( a question that must be answered) so I don't think spam bots can get through that.

Just some advice for others.

[Wired1]

They can't by themselves, however they can still capture the various questions and then a human can add them to the bot so next time they'll get through.

[Thomas P]

I like the idea that 0.7 an admin can submit the data of a spammer to the stopforumspam.com database via ACP.

Ideally also moderators should be able to add spammers to the database after banning them in vb ModCP.

[thbertram]

The site that I have this plug-in installed on is a low-traffic, very specific board, and all registrations are moderated. Once a year, we turn off the moderation for a short burst of high traffic, but watch the registrations carefully. (running vBulletin 3.8.3)

The module works extremely well. As the StopForumSpam database builds, the number of registrations that get through continue to drop. I'm now seeing one every month or so that get through, and as many as a thousand that don't.

With that said, I would like to advise all of the folks that are installing this, and having difficulties, to please take the time to troubleshoot the problem, and provide some detail when you finally post here with problems.

I "hear" the frustration in Pedigree's "voice" when you come on here and say "it's broken...what's wrong with your program?" This is definitely a case of PEBKAC

Sorry...this isn't the place for me to sound off, but I'm a programmer too and have to deal with the same stuff...:( Pedigree, I give you two-thumbs-up! :up::up:

[pedigree]

Yes thanks :)

Fustration, oh yes. The amount of PMs I get that are "I installed it and it doesnt work - why?" are increasing and they all come down to one of one things

1. The person hasnt read any of the documentation or used the "search" in this thread and have installed it incorrectly
2. Arent using the required version of mySQL, php or cURL.

and of course, expect the database to be 100% accurate, up to date and purged of old spammers. The later we are discussing but there is functionality in the mod to ignore old spammer fields.

[kylek]

I have had to uninstall it from 2 sites for blocking people registering after verifying the problem myself. Tried with 3 different email addresses and had others try also. All were using either ip providers email or yahoo, msn, etc.

[pedigree]

I have had to uninstall it from 2 sites for blocking people registering after verifying the problem myself. Tried with 3 different email addresses and had others try also. All were using either ip providers email or yahoo, msn, etc.

Would you like to provide the usernames/ip/email addresses so that we can verify this?

[pedigree]

Please people, you must understand this

The database WILL provide a tiny amount of false positives known as "back scatter"

Its the same as a spammer using your email address as the "from" source when spamming millions of people. You will get the bounces. Same thing here. If a forum spammer uses an IP address on an ISP that trunks everything out a proxy server (ie AOL) or from an IP address that you happened to have been assigned when you dialup, then that IP address is listed.

Simple solution

- Dont block on IP addresses.
- Configure the mod to IGNORE positive results older than 30 days.
- Set your forum NOT to block registrations if our database is not available

Functionality was been provided, please use it. Again, please dont just post "It stopped working" without providing logs or details, youll just get ignored. If you would like some help and support, its a two way street.

My ability of telepathy only works within 10 square miles....

[Alfa1]

My ability of telepathy only works within 10 square miles....
We are very disappointed!

Thanks again for this great hack.

[jburnette84]

This works like a charm! Thanks so much for writing this.

It would be nice to see this checking against project honey pot as well.

[luism]

I searched the thread but could find no clues.
If I get a 404 Not Found page when I click on the vbStopForumSpam Log in the A CP..
does it just mean that no spammer has signed in yet so that is why there is no page created therefore not found?

Thanks

website is

http://gaga.com/

[jeremyalyea]

I receive about 20 spam registrations per day between my two Vb installations despite all of the other spam prevention mods I have installed. I am installing this today and will report back on this mod in a couple of days.

Fingers crossed.

[luism]

I searched the thread but could find no clues.
If I get a 404 Not Found page when I click on the vbStopForumSpam Log in the A CP..
does it just mean that no spammer has signed in yet so that is why there is no page created therefore not found?

Thanks

website is

http://gaga.com/

UPDATE..

There was afile missing from the install..

:erm:

[thbertram]

Just in case someone wants to know, and you want to update your "works with" list, I'm running vBulletin 3.8.4 and vbStopForumSpam continues to work like a charm...

...and may all your babies be born naked.

[jeremyalyea]

I receive about 20 spam registrations per day between my two Vb installations despite all of the other spam prevention mods I have installed. I am installing this today and will report back on this mod in a couple of days.

Fingers crossed.


After 3 days, this mod has stopped 105 SPAM registrations. I have not had one false positive that has been reported. This mod is great!!!!! Thanks and my donation is on the way!

fyi, I am using it successfully on 3.6.4 and 3.8.3.

[pedigree]

UPDATE..

There was afile missing from the install..

:erm:

ie you didnt upload the files?? :)

[pedigree]

After 3 days, this mod has stopped 105 SPAM registrations. I have not had one false positive that has been reported. This mod is great!!!!! Thanks and my donation is on the way!

fyi, I am using it successfully on 3.6.4 and 3.8.3.

Thanks for the donation, I got it in my email today :) It will buy my baby son a new chew toy as hes gone through all of my whiteboard markers

[pedigree]

Just in case someone wants to know, and you want to update your "works with" list, I'm running vBulletin 3.8.4 and vbStopForumSpam continues to work like a charm...

Done, thanks for the update

[Itchy Nips]

just as a test, I disabled this mod to see if its really working. I got two spammer registered on my forum in the matter of 1 hour. Needless to say, I reenabled this mod :)

*kudos*

[Rein Masamuri]

Excellent. Within 20 minutes of installing it caught one :)
One suggestion: In the vbStopForumSpam Logs, perhaps add a button to the side of it to submit the info to stopforumspam.com since sometimes only one of the flags match the database (and I'd like to help keep the SFS database as up to date as possible :))

[Floris]

We will see how this goes :) Because spam is horrible these days. Thanks for this mod.

[SamirDarji]

Adding to my mental list of anti-spam tools.

[pedigree]

Excellent. Within 20 minutes of installing it caught one :)
One suggestion: In the vbStopForumSpam Logs, perhaps add a button to the side of it to submit the info to stopforumspam.com since sometimes only one of the flags match the database (and I'd like to help keep the SFS database as up to date as possible :))

You can do it from the user admincp, just not the logs, yet. Click on teh username in the logs and it will take you to the admincp (see the mod page for the extra bits on how to install this in the user admincp) I have the code in 0.7 but its very slow going at the moment

[skippybosco]

@pedigree: is now a good time to for the community to rally around a mass donation to you to motivate you to get 0.7 out the door?

[Medtech]

I still say this is one of the most valuable modifications i have installed...:)

[Floris]

I have been using this, and I am impressed.

Mod of the Year for vBulletin, crowned :thumbsup: by vbfans.com

*awesome*

[Rein Masamuri]

You can do it from the user admincp, just not the logs, yet. Click on teh username in the logs and it will take you to the admincp (see the mod page for the extra bits on how to install this in the user admincp) I have the code in 0.7 but its very slow going at the moment
Oh I know, but if it blocks their registration I have to submit them manually (in case they changed one or two things to try and seem unique). I.e. I don't have a user panel for them :/
Looking forward to 0.7 ^_^

[pedigree]

@pedigree: is now a good time to for the community to rally around a mass donation to you to motivate you to get 0.7 out the door?

That would be nice. I got another two donations over the last couple of month, suprising given the slow progress on the 0.7. Bribing me, hmm, Ill just knuckle down more, release it and hope that ppl nominate it for mod of the month or year etc, so to get it some more coverage.

I might have to drop 3.6 support from it though, well, at least move some of its features to another page.

[pedigree]

I have been using this, and I am impressed.

Mod of the Year for vBulletin, crowned :thumbsup: by vbfans.com

*awesome*

Coming from another vbModer, thats awesome praise :) thanks :D

[pike2k]

We just instaled this on our spam ridden forum and it's too early to tell if it's helping yet (we sure hope so), meanwhile I'm studying the logs and noticing that 'Allowed Registrations' entries for same user is repeated hundred of times at different timestamps (differ a few secs between the entries)

What can this be and I'm afraid it will fill logs quickly

[skippybosco]

A number of things can case that, passing one test but failing another. I usually see this on sites when a spammer/spambot is trying to crack captcha.

[nmilne]

Installed with 3.8.3 and it seems to be working well with my tests, and stopped a new spammer registration within 5 minutes of being installed!!

[pedigree]

We just instaled this on our spam ridden forum and it's too early to tell if it's helping yet (we sure hope so), meanwhile I'm studying the logs and noticing that 'Allowed Registrations' entries for same user is repeated hundred of times at different timestamps (differ a few secs between the entries)

What can this be and I'm afraid it will fill logs quickly

This means that its passed the VbStopForumSpam mod tests and failing at a vbulletin test. I know its annoying but I will attempt to do a log suppression. If anything, it alerts you to someone hammernig your board.

[segwayon]

Someone in the 3.8 modifications forum is offering a lite version (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=217964) of your mod. I pointed out that stopping spammers via calls to the StopForumSpam.com database only works well because of forum feedbacks - something your full-featured mod does which the lite mod doesn't.

Nominated this for the MOTM, and would do so for the year if such an honor existed. As a suggestion, perhaps if you were to offer this mod in the 3.8 section then more people would be able to find your very cool and full-featured mod, and won't have to settle for less.

[skippybosco]

Seems that the confusion is around the fact that this mod is not specifically labeled for vB 3.8.. perhaps that is something that can be done to remove the confusion and prevent splintering the project.

[pedigree]

Seems that the confusion is around the fact that this mod is not specifically labeled for vB 3.8.. perhaps that is something that can be done to remove the confusion and prevent splintering the project.

I guess I copy just copy/paste the mode into the 3.8 forum as well.

... or people could just read :)

That "lite" version will offer you a very simple method but only 1/3 of the checks as each IP is limited to 5000 queries a day and it does no caching.

Ive dusted off Firebug and cut a huge chunk of code out in order to get 0.7 out the door ready to put that code back in for 0.75

[pedigree]

I just created a copy of this mod in the 3.8 forums, lets see

[Medtech]

they have to change all 3 things or they will be denied. then they just get submitted again.

[pedigree]

The stopforumspam.com domain is down at the moment as the site owner forgot to renew the domain. Ive tried to contact him and just hope that hes reading his emails this morning.

EDIT: Looks like GoDaddy was at fault this time. If youre using GoDaddy, expect problems, for ever.

[BadgerDog]

T
EDIT: Looks like GoDaddy was at fault this time. If youre using GoDaddy, expect problems, for ever.

Does this translate to the mod is no longer functional with that web site any more? :confused:

Thanks

Regards,
Badger

[pedigree]

Does this translate to the mod is no longer functional with that web site any more? :confuse:

Its all back up and running. After he renewed the domain, godaddy changed all the site DNS to point to their advertising pages. That alone is a good enough reason to move your domains to a much more reliable and above-board company.

[pedigree]

Warning, large image :)

This is a teaser for the 0.7 profile page. The drop down provides this list but I will be moving it to a tick list shortly

Ban & Cleanup (removes all posts / threads / PM / signatures / text fields in profile)
Delete User
Move to group
Ban IP

The large colour image has a toogle button to display the data in the cells or just the colour map, selectable in the options.

The rows in the "by relation" subnet data doesnt yet include the status on any cached spammer data. Refreshing the entire table could result in anywhere from a dozen to several hundred queries, so it will only be cached data if any is found. The red X shows a user already banned. Clicking on a user takes you to their profile. There will also be another table, which dispalys all that users posts, all posts "by relationship of subnet" as well.

Ive editted out some of the email and usernames to protect my test accounts :)

The full size image can be found at

http://www.fizzleblood.net/vbStopForumSpamProfile.png

[Brathamike]

Has anyone tried this with 3.8.4 with mods on your forum? i would like to have this but dont wanna mess up my forum and forum mods

[skippybosco]

@Brathamike, Works perfect under 3.8.4.. several posts in this thread also confirm.

[pedigree]

.. including the mod details post itself

[skippybosco]

.. including the mod details post itself

yeah, but who trusts the developer ;-)

[gpigate]

i can not find where to do the edits to allow for sumbission to the stop spam site. I am comfortable with doing them manually but I am not finding the quick links section as mentioned. I am running 3.8.4

[pedigree]

... down the mod further,is this link

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=1650801&postcount=289

Which gives a mod you can import to do it.

As mentioned in the manual edits section, the manual edits were for 3.7.x but as the source changes so much and as Im not licensed for 3.8.4, sections vary. For the moment, stick with the addon mod from Wired1

[gpigate]

i downloaded those and tried to import as plugins, which hook should be used?

[gpigate]

got them input. thanks for the help

[Floris]

Which version do you have access to, and how come you don't have access to 3.8.4?

owned license expired?

[pedigree]

yup, owned license expired and the forum that I was using on it, has since closed. So, I dont run an open forum anymore and develop this for the love/hate of spammers. I contacted vBulletin and asked them If I could use a newer version, just to code against and they gave me the answer I expected, that being a "pay up". I do have a 3.8.1 that a friend has on his forum, that Ive installed as his development system and hes happy with that.

For the sake of getting valuable mods out, I thought vbulletin would be happy to provide updates to code, to developers but I guess not. I myself am only licensed to 3.7.6 I think, which is what Im using to code 0.7 on. Once Im happy with a set of code changes, then I export/import into 3.8.1. This is the only way to do it,. code against old source, pay up (for a version that I will never use myself) or download an p**ate version just to develop against :( (which Im not doing before ppl start screaming).

Much of the code changes from his 3.8.1 to the current 3.8.4 are bug fixes (if not all of them) so the underlying structure of the mod isnt affected too much.

[ricardoNJ]

Testing...

[AliMadkour]

thank you for that useful product!

[pedigree]

If you could look at

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=1884633&postcount=570

and tell give me some feedback on that post, I would really appreciate it.

[Makc666]

If you could look at

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=1884633&postcount=570

and tell give me some feedback on that post, I would really appreciate it.

pedigree, it looks very nice, really.

I can only propose in "Recent registration by subnet" table to add Country names up to the right of the flags in such columns as "Reg IP", "Reg. Conf. IP".

Of course when we will be able to touch this one our-self there can be other proposals or notes! ;)

[pedigree]

pedigree, it looks very nice, really.

I can only propose in "Recent registration by subnet" table to add Country names up to the right of the flags in such columns as "Reg IP", "Reg. Conf. IP".

Of course when we will be able to touch this one our-self there can be other proposals or notes! ;)

If you mouse over the flag, its gives you the name but I guess I can add it to the side. I develop on a 1920x1200 monitor, so I forget just how wide tables can get :) Anyway, Ive taken the flag out and put the country name in instead. Much more than the table starts to wrap

[Makc666]

If you mouse over the flag, its gives you the name but I guess I can add it to the side.
Yes, I though so. But I tried to tell that it is better to see the name for some flags because some users really don't know all flags of all countries.

So for some countries it is nice to see the flags.
For others it is nice to see the names.

That is why I think that FLAG + NAME is a good variant.

[pedigree]

I could put the flag as the cell background image...

[Makc666]

I could put the flag as the cell background image...

Background image for cell is a bad idea, really.

I think it will be better to show information like this:

FLAG [lv]

In other words:
FLAG IMAGE + [Short Country Abbreviation]

Like you show in "User Detail" table for Registration IP, Last Activity IP & Confirmation IP.

[pedigree]

ok, flag + short abbrev it is then

[Speedy2000]

Found a bug in the vBulletin Settings at the vbstopforumspam. All three Check URL fields have the title 'IP Check URL'. These should be changed into Username Check URL and Email Check URL. These phrases are contained in both setting_vbstopforumspam_url_check_username_title and setting_vbstopforumspam_url_check_email_title.

Very good mod btw :up:

[pedigree]

Found a bug in the vBulletin Settings at the vbstopforumspam. All three Check URL fields have the title 'IP Check URL'. These should be changed into Username Check URL and Email Check URL. These phrases are contained in both setting_vbstopforumspam_url_check_username_title and setting_vbstopforumspam_url_check_email_title.

Very good mod btw :up:

Damn, you would have thought that that was picked up a long time ago :)

Ill make the changes to the 0.7 xml file. edit : brain dead, it looks like I already did, ehhe

Thanks :)

[Aric Hoek]

First, thank you so much. I am a small business owner, and I am starting a second business which is a paid membership site. This mod has been fantastic in allowing me to spend time on my first business.

I have ben reading page after page, and immediately I have stopped reading after 24 pages. I had a problem today. People trying to register said they would go through the registration process and then were taken to a white screen. I can only find one instance posted earlier that this was reported to happen.

So StopForumSpam.com has stopped responding (5/23 4amPST) for the last 30 min or so (DOS??). The result is that registrations are failing with a blank white screen.

Forgive me if this is to basic of a question. Will setting the Query Connection Errors to Allow Registration solve this problem?

Thank you again for this fine piece of work.

[pedigree]

yes, it will. If you set to allow registrations, then they will be allowed if the sfs website is down.

and youre welcome :)

[ricardoNJ]

A user named Antonia was register in my forum, but this Mod's blocked her 'saying' that the name was as spam. I searched her name on the website sropforumspam.com but does not appear. It appears neither the IP nor the email that she used for registration. Is there will be any way to move her of the relationship to spammers?

[skippybosco]

@ricardoNJ: First thing I would do is check your local SFS logs to validate that she was blocked as spam. Secondly, a lot depends on your configuration of how you handle returns from the API. Do you block, do you move to a special group with less access, etc.

[ricardoNJ]

@ricardoNJ: First thing I would do is check your local SFS logs to validate that she was blocked as spam. Secondly, a lot depends on your configuration of how you handle returns from the API. Do you block, do you move to a special group with less access, etc.

I don't know what's SFS logs and how to do that, sorry . :P:D

[skippybosco]

You can check your logs under the logs section of your Vbulletin Admin Control Panel, or:

http://yourdomain.com/admincp/vbstopforumspam.php

where yourdomain.com is your domain and admiccp is your path to your admin control panel (where you do your admin work)

[pedigree]

The generic error doesnt give either the name,ip or email address for a reason - that being that people can try again by changing one.

[SirShaw]

I just want to say thank you for such a wonderful product. I no longer have to worry about bots signing up and posting garbage on my forum. def voting mod of the month!

[ricardoNJ]

In the "vbStopForumSpam Logs" in my forum, I'm seeing an user:

nepAscenefgaf 2009-10-02 20:45:12 d.p.aterson1970@**** 95.133.**** Allowed registration

This guy have "allowed registration"a lot of time with the same IP address and email.

[skippybosco]

that usually means he is failing other things such as captcha, etc.

[Endurer]

Thank you so much for this, I am sick and tired of bots registering to spam all over the place.

[ricardoNJ]

that usually means he is failing other things such as captcha, etc.
Sure? :eek::up:

[pedigree]

Sure? :eek::up:

Yup. vbStopForumSpam testing is performed prior to the captcha (email, dupe user, ip ban etc etc etc) checks. if the mod says "allow reg", this means that the mod has allowed the registration to pass to the next mod or to vbulletin for processing. By the log message, theyve failed captcha testing, missed a field or any variation of the normal vbulletin tests.

[pedigree]

OMG!

They put my mod in the MOTD vote for October.

Talk about smile ear to ear!

Im not sure If Im allow to link to the MOTD vote or anything that could be considered soliciting votes so Im not going to but talk about happy :)

[skippybosco]

Hey guys, look what I just spotted.. looks like vbStopForumSpam mod has been been put on the "Mod of the Month" for October.

This is major kudos for Pedigree and all of the hard work that he has put into it.

** Please take a moment to cast your vote for the vbStopForumSpam **

Vote for StopForumSpam Mod as the Mod of the Month for October (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=224328)

[Servant]

Tally all the hrs I spent cleaning out my forum, mul by my going hourly rate and this mod certainly pays for itself (even though free,, lol).. shoe-in for that award.

*Installed
*Nom'ed.

Thanks!

[SamirDarji]

OMG!

They put my mod in the MOTD vote for October.

Talk about smile ear to ear!

Im not sure If Im allow to link to the MOTD vote or anything that could be considered soliciting votes so Im not going to but talk about happy :)voted. ;)

[cgutzmer]

I see a couple other people had this problem as well - when I try to import the product I get invalid file specified. I have the option to go back and thats it - no other info is provided.

I have the files uploaded to the proper folder on my server (verified through file manager)
Steps I follow
Under plugins and products I click manage products
Here I click add/import product
i choose to import the xml file from your server the string entered is:
./includes/xml/cpnav_vbstopformspam.xml
Hit import and I get that error.
I tried doing the upload from computer and get the same result

I am using vbulletin 3.8.4 this is the first plugin I am installing. I vreified the plugin/hook is turned on in vbulletin options.

Any help is appreciated!
Thanks
Chris

[Floris]

the cpnav is a .xml used by the product, it's not the product_*.xml file.
this is the same with every plugin release on vborg ..

a product is prefixed with product_* and ends with .xml

the navigation on the left is in the /xml directory as used as an include, and not as product.

[cgutzmer]

Thats it - painfully obvious but since it was my first ever plugin :)
Thanks!
Chris

[inaka]

I seriously want to give a big thanks for this.

INSTALLED. Awesome.

[bernie g]

Installed and linked up to the database perfect. Although I've uploaded Wired1's plug in, I still can't see the box anywhere where I submit spam

Edit: Just found it

[imported_silkroad]

Congrats on a great mod! We installed and there were 7 entires in the logfile within 15 minutes !!!

[mradlin]

Installed!! Thanks!! :D

[imported_silkroad]

Isn't is better to send the details of the spammer to the StopForumSpam database automatically by adding code to inlinemod.php?

That way, when moderators select "Delete Posts as Spam" there is no need to waste the moderators time to use the form in the user template (as provided in the instructions). This is too much work and unnecessary extra steps when it can be done automatically in inlinemod.php when deleting spam.

There are plenty of hooks in inlinemod.php, for example, $hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_deletespam'))

Isn't is better to simply add an option to admincp and a small amount of code to automatically add the spammer to the database?

grep -i hook inlinemod.php
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_authenticate_ switch')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_action_switch ')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_start')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_clearthread') ) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_clearpost')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_closeopen')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_stickunstick' )) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_deletethread' )) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_spamthread')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_dodeletethrea d')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_spam_permissi on')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_spamconfirm_d efaultaction')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_spamconfirm') ) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_deletespam_de faultaction')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_deletespam')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_dodeletethrea d')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_undeletethrea d')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_approvethread ')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_unapprovethre ad')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_movethread')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_domovethread' )) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_mergethread') ) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_domergethread ')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_spampost')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_deleteposts') ) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_dodeleteposts ')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_undeleteposts ')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_approveattach ments')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_unapproveatta chments')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_approveposts' )) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_unapprovepost s')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_domergeposts_ process')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_domergeposts_ complete')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_mergeposts_po st')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_mergeposts_co mplete')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_moveposts')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_copyposts')) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_domoveposts') ) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_docopyposts') ) ? eval($hook) : false;
($hook = vBulletinHook::fetch_hook('inlinemod_complete')) ? eval($hook) : false;

[Floris]

I don't even know how to manually submit spammers from the site at the moment, integrated solution for 0.7 would be awesome :D

[imported_silkroad]

I don't even know how to manually submit spammers from the site at the moment, integrated solution for 0.7 would be awesome :D

Agreed.... that is why I provided Mr. Pedigree the hooks in inlinemod.php (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=1898054&postcount=617) where to add the code, so maybe he will be kind enough to add this to the next release!

I think the best place is in "Delete Posts as Spam" ... combined with a single option in the AdminCP for this product to automatically add the spammer's info to the StopForumSpam database when they "Delete Posts as Spam".... :D

Cheers!

[pedigree]

The code is already in 0.7 to submit spammers to the database as part of a ban/delete/cleanup function or in bulk via a user selection form but I will look at the inline hook. We have tried to shy away from the automatic submission as people always submit more innocent details this way, causing more people to come onto the forums and start +++++ing (seriously) and more work for us to then remove them (until you see the admin interface we have, youll understand why :) ) Rather than maybe an auotmatic submission, the mod would have to tick a box to confirm the submission...

[imported_silkroad]

The code is already in 0.7 to submit spammers to the database as part of a ban/delete/cleanup function or in bulk via a user selection form but I will look at the inline hook. We have tried to shy away from the automatic submission as people always submit more innocent details this way, causing more people to come onto the forums and start +++++ing (seriously) and more work for us to then remove them (until you see the admin interface we have, youll understand why :) ) Rather than maybe an auotmatic submission, the mod would have to tick a box to confirm the submission...

I understand, but that depends on your forums and the experience of the forum mods.

That is why that automatic banning in "Delete Posts as Spam" function should be an AdminCP option. When our mods ban spammers, they ban "real spammers" and we trust our very experienced mods (we have over 22), very much. We need to provide tools for them that require less clicks, not more.

On the other hand, a simple tickbox might be OK, if it is in the process flow of the "Delete Posts as Spam" inlinemod.php function and elsewhere, and is simply an additional tick-box on a form that is being submitted in the mod process.

I can understand how you might not want this on "some boards" with "some mods", but our board gets over 4M PVs a month, we have 22+ mods around the world, so we try to make the mods (who are really experienced professionals) job very easy in appreciation for the work they do.

Thanks for the update, BTW. I look forward to the next release, including the whitelist function, since it is a bit easy to send malicious info to a community database and blacklist innocent people (an unintended side-effect of community based access controls).

[jahshaka]

loving this it really helps, installed and voted for MOTM!!!

[linuxututs]

I had already installed this Mod ( Great Mod to BTW ), but was looking to further improve my spam protection on my new board, so I was going to implement Project Honey Pot as I've done in the past with phpbb, and joomla.

Can these two work together ?

Thank You so Much,

[pedigree]

I had already installed this Mod ( Great Mod to BTW ), but was looking to further improve my spam protection on my new board, so I was going to implement Project Honey Pot as I've done in the past with phpbb, and joomla.

Can these two work together ?

Thank You so Much,

Yes, they should work the together. Ive not tested any projecthoneypot mod but I have put projecthoneypot api access into 0.7 and theyre working very well together.

[Speedy2000]

Works great on 3.8.4, but after installing 3.8.4 Patch Level 1, it doesn't work anymore. Doesn't prevent known spammers from registering, and users can't be submitted from the User Control Panel.

[skippybosco]

@Speedy2000: Have not heard of this problem before. That being said, have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling the mod to see if that clears things up for you?

[SamirDarji]

Works great on 3.8.4, but after installing 3.8.4 Patch Level 1, it doesn't work anymore. Doesn't prevent known spammers from registering, and users can't be submitted from the User Control Panel.Have you tried putting back the non-patch files? There were only three of them. If that doesn't fix it, then it's something else.

[mohammad6006]

what can i do
i want not block registeration and just ban spammers after register

[pedigree]

Well, you can allow registrations, then check your logs. This mod doesnt provide the ability to allow registrations and then to set the account banned automatically. Its a good idea if you want to run a honeypot

[pedigree]

Have you tried putting back the non-patch files? There were only three of them. If that doesn't fix it, then it's something else.

includes/class_dm.php
includes/class_dm_user.php
includes/version_vbulletin.php

If those are the three files that were patched, I shouldnt imagine that they would impact the mod at all as it doesnt use or hook into any of them

What do your logs say?

[K8TEK]

Thanks. I voted for you.

[skippybosco]

Good News, Pedigree is in the lead with a staggering 41.56% of the votes for the October Mod of the Month (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=224328). Twice as many votes as his next competitor! Great Job!

[imported_silkroad]

What are the MOTM rules?

Is it ethical and acceptable to "rally everyone to vote"?

Like most people here, we are perfectly capable of voting and do not appreciate "spam-type" of posts telling us what we should vote for, when we should vote, and what we should do and whom we should promote.

It seems like a form of "mind control", which, personally, I find offensive.

In other words, community building is "a great thing", but there is also "a small thing" called ethics and not spamming :-)

[skippybosco]

@imported silkroad: point taken and I apologize for any offense, certainly not intended.

As not all members are aware that motm exists, or that their favorite mod has made it to the list, messages like mine help serve as a means to inform. As the original message was posted almost 2 weeks ago and has been bumped up over ~2 pages, there are a number of visitors/users of the Mod that have not / will not see it.

I personally was excited to see my favorite Mod doing so well in the polls and wanted to share the good news with the community that helped get it there. My post was intended to be a satirical rally (hence the "in all seriousness"). The humor was apparently lost in the delivery.

What are the MOTM rules? Is it ethical and acceptable to "rally everyone to vote"?


As far as ethics goes, I don't personally believe that 2 posts in 2 weeks for a contest that runs 4 weeks justifies calling to question ethics, but that is just one guys opinion.

To answer your question, as outlined in the rules (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/info.php?do=motm), the coder of the Mod (ie. Pedigree) is not allowed to solicit nominations. If the Mod makes it to the poll, the Coder is allowed to post one link within the Mod thread. There are no guidelines limiting the community.

To remove any confusion or distraction, however, my post above has been updated to reflect its original intent.

[pedigree]

And to add, Ive not solicited any votes, here or on the stopforumspam.com (where I could do so, within the rules) site or asked anyone to do the same as I dont want to risk any infringement and get removed

Shall we leave it at there and wait to see what happens at the end of the month?

[skippybosco]

agreed.

[Kat]

As someone who comes to this board infrequently, I was glad that the MOTM info was posted in this thread, otherwise I would not have known about it. This mod has made my life so much easier and I was very happy to vote for it and the coder.

I won't say anymore as I realize you are trying to let this die down (and understandably so) but I did have to say that I, for one, am glad it was mentioned, and mentioned more than once. :)

[pedigree]

Either way, pro or con, Im extremely flattered that I got nominated with thanks to the people using the mod, and very thankful that people have voted for it as well.

[imported_silkroad]

Better...

It takes away from "the greatest" of the mod when it is reduced to a "get out the vote" cheap contest.

When people like the mod, they can easily vote on it, but to overhype it like some cheap "let's make sure we win" simply distorts the process.

I like this mod -- but frankly it starts to look "cheap" when people find is necessary to spam the board with this type of overt marketing. That is why I posted. It is simply offensive to be told how to act and behave by others.

Just let the mod win, or not, based on the merits of the mod, not some spam / overtly influence the vote effort.

Then you can be proud you did the right and ethical thing.

Thanks.

[Kat]

I am not a sheep. Being told to vote does not make me vote. And frankly I do not feel like anyone on this thread did tell me to vote.

[pedigree]

Im going to try to push this thread back to what its here for, to support the mod and to discuss the various painful ways in which we would all like spammers to die in.

agreed?? :)

[Kat]

Agree...... and sorry for the sidetrack.

[pedigree]

Great :) Thanks for the vote Kat :D

[Gav-n-Tn]

I would LOVE to try this mod but I'm too much of a rookie to know EXACTLY what to do if it requires alot of manual code altering. Do I download it and upload to the server and turn it on and that's it? Or is there more involved? Currently I report each and every spammer to SFS manually. Am I being overly concerned about knowing how to plug it in? I'm running 3.8.4

[SamirDarji]

The author can probably elaborate on this, but it requires no file edits. You can basically download it, upload it to the server and turn it on, and then configure it.

I always test new plugins on a test system, which you can easily set up with xampp and any windows pc.

[Gav-n-Tn]

The author can probably elaborate on this, but it requires no file edits. You can basically download it, upload it to the server and turn it on, and then configure it.

I always test new plugins on a test system, which you can easily set up with xampp and any windows pc.

Which file do I upload to the server? I've already downloaded it to my local. I had a little difficulty understanding exactly which file/s needed to make it to the server.

[SamirDarji]

There's an installation.txt file that goes through it pretty step-by-step. If you have questions about a specific step, ask away. :)

[Gav-n-Tn]

Exactly which file/s do I upload to the server? It states not to load the upload file, but rather to load it's contents. But there is one xml file outside of the contents of the upload file

[SamirDarji]

The files under the 'upload' directory need to go in their appropriate directories. You should be able to just select everything under the upload directory in your ftp client and tell it to upload to your forum root. That will get all the files there.

Once that is done, you run the xml file included in the zip file by going under admincp-->Plugins & Products-->Manage Products-->[Add/Import Product]. Then set up the options like the installation file says and you should be done. :)

[Gav-n-Tn]

So just overwrite the existing files on the server with the ones in the upload file or merge them?

[Gav-n-Tn]

I'm out of here for tonight. I'll pick it back up tomorrow. Thanks for your replies.

[SamirDarji]

So just overwrite the existing files on the server with the ones in the upload file or merge them?Sorry, got busy working on my site for a bit.

There shouldn't be any files there to overwrite. If it asks about overwriting, stop and check what's going on. These files are specifically for the plugin and shouldn't be there.

[pedigree]

It doesnt overwrite any files at all, none, nada, zero. If prompted for an overwrite, it might be because it puts files into subfolders. You upload the contents of the upload folder (but not the upload folder itself) to the root folder of your forum (the one that contains register.php) and all the folders as well, this places the correct files into the correct folders. You then import the product_vbstopforumspam*.xml file in your pluigin manager.

Its exactly what Samir said but if you dont have FTP upload access and your provider goes you some crappy webinterface, then youll need to upload files mnaully into the correct folders

[pedigree]

The author can probably elaborate on this, but it requires no file edits. You can basically download it, upload it to the server and turn it on, and then configure it.

I always test new plugins on a test system, which you can easily set up with xampp and any windows pc.

Indeed, no file edits, no overwrites, its upload, import and configure

[Gav-n-Tn]

I believe what I'll need to do is just transfer each of the folder's contents into the existing folders on the server using my ftp software. I tried just transferring each folder and it was trying to overwrite the existing folders on the server because they have the same name. Also, outside of the folders contained in your upload folder, there was another xml file along with the instructions text file. That was throwing me off too.

[Gav-n-Tn]

Still not doing something right.

[pedigree]

You can "overwrite folders", youre not actually overwriting folders, just placing files into them, your FTP software is just brain dead beyond help in prompting for an overwrite when no actual overwrite will be happening.

[pedigree]

Gav - check your personal messages (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/private.php)

[Gav-n-Tn]

If I had hair, I'd be yanking on it right now. I can guarantee you that it is operator error. Not your program or my ftp program. Just the idgit behind the keyboard.

[pedigree]

I have kids and 6 hours of travel for work each day, I havent had hair for a very long time

[Gav-n-Tn]

I have kids and 6 hours of travel for work each day, I havent had hair for a very long time

I saw mine leaving and headed it off at the pass. I shaved it just to spite it and it's been that way for many years :)

[SamirDarji]

I'm losing mine too...but they have a plugin for that too...

If you ftp client won't let you just copy the folders, just put the files/folders there individually by going into each folder and then copying the contents. Hopefully this should be the most painful part of your installation. Do you have any other plugins?

[Gav-n-Tn]

I'm losing mine too...but they have a plugin for that too...

If you ftp client won't let you just copy the folders, just put the files/folders there individually by going into each folder and then copying the contents. Hopefully this should be the most painful part of your installation. Do you have any other plugins?

I did exactly what you just said but the plug in manager in the AdminCP will not retrieve the file from the server and let me add it. Yes I have another plug in installed. It's the "who's been here in the last 24 hours". I typed the command that should direct it to the xml file on the server but it doesn't want to recognize it for some reason. Like I said, I know it's me that's the idgit here not the add on.

[SamirDarji]

I never try to use the xml file from the server. Delete it from there and upload it from your computer instead.

I don't think the other plugin should cause any issues. If it's the one by Paul M, I have that one installed as well.

[Gav-n-Tn]

I never try to use the xml file from the server. Delete it from there and upload it from your computer instead.

I don't think the other plugin should cause any issues. If it's the one by Paul M, I have that one installed as well.

I tried uploading it from my computer too. Still no luck.

[Gav-n-Tn]

I got it! The xml file that was outside of the folders is the one I needed! I had been trying to import the one inside the upload folder! Like I said, it was operator error the whole time. Now let's go play with it!

[SamirDarji]

I was going to look and see which xml file you were trying. Glad you got it working. :)

[Itchy Nips]

quick question. a user couldn't register on the site because his IP was logged as spam. I had to manually create an account for him. Other than that, how do we get around that?

[pedigree]

You can
- Change the expiry to a smaller figure, thus ignoring IP address last seen more than X days ago
- Not do IP testing
- Create the account for the person

You could post the IP address on the stopforumspam.com site and we can look into it.

[netwind]

What about add "Trusted networks" settings? I still need register some wireless provider clients, but their shared ip address is very dirty in stopforumspam service.

[pedigree]

0.7, which is under developement, includes a vbulletin style ip subnet whitelist. Until I release that, your options are limited to turning off IP testing, precreating accounts or modiying functions_vbsfs.php to include a test for hardcoded IP subnets and then bypassing the ip testing code (below)

$result = checkSFSSpam($ip, 'ip');
if ($result !== VBSFS_NO_TEST) {
sfsActions('ip', $ip, $username, $email, $ip, $result);
}

[El Orans]

You can check your logs under the logs section of your Vbulletin Admin Control Panel, or:

http://yourdomain.com/admincp/vbstopforumspam.php

where yourdomain.com is your domain and admiccp is your path to your admin control panel (where you do your admin work)This only results in a blank screen for me.

[skippybosco]

@El Orans: That path should be changed to what is relevant to your vB install and whether you changed the path of your admin control panel such as:

http://yourdomain.com/vb/admin/vbstopforumspam.php

Alternative, assuming you have stopforumspam installed and working:

1) log into your admin control panel
2) look for the sidebar on the left side and scroll to the bottom (Statistics and Logs)
3) Expand the "Statistics and Logs" section
4) You should see a "vbStopForumSpam Logs"

[techtir]

We only launched on 10th Oct
Spammers building up to 5 a day.. Load of porn posted this morning and 7 new possible spammers.

I started using geo ip to check IPs and found http://www.stopforumspam.com/

Which led me back here

Installed no problem on VB 3.8.4 patch1

Working fine (tested with a good email and a bad one from www.stopforumspam.com ) and when I checked the log it had blocked a really spammer too.

I turned off checking user names. On 18 out of 20 checked manually there was email match. 2 had similar kinds of email and had spammed us. 14 matched on user name.

Great Job.

At the current stage what is best thing to to next to report the scammer/spammers?

[zeloreo]

Great Mod. I voted for you for motm :)

[pedigree]

At the current stage what is best thing to to next to report the scammer/spammers?

There is a small mod by Wired1, taken from code I posted, that allows you to report users from the admincp/user page. hardly the best method for bulk removal/reporting but its two clicks to report something. The mod can be installed just as any other, import a XML file. This will allow you to submit spammers on a per user basis (and requires javascript sry) and is here (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=1650801&postcount=289)

The current version on my machine allows you to select multiple users and submit them in bulk. It also has geoIP built in for registration denial based on country.

[Alfa1]

That sounds very interesting pedigree. Thanks for developing this. I'll surely install 0.7

[pedigree]

Thank you for the votes :)

[pedigree]

That sounds very interesting pedigree. Thanks for developing this. I'll surely install 0.7

I wonder why sometimes as I dont run a board anymore. I think its because I just hate spammers that much.

[techtir]

I have two suggestions:

1) On the extra XML that adds a Report Box under the User's main details, I would only display it if the user is in the Banned Group (easy extra if )
There is a small mod by Wired1, taken from code I posted, that allows you to report users from the admincp/user page. Installed. Thanks.


IPs can be shared. But a working email address is REALLY going to be the scammer/spammer. Oh the beautiful irony.

I don't check user names, but IP and email Address.

2) Rather than just a text view of the log, put it in a form.
The log/checking should show status of each of the items you asked to check, not just one.
It should have "Check and add" button, so if new user name, ip, address combination (or any new item) you can check and add. I manually check the email and add all details if no email match, or no matching username or IP for that email address.
It should also have a "Pass, Put into awaiting registration, send email button" to clear false positives. Known because you know or have verified the email is OK.


I don't see an Inline hook so important. I'd only want "considered" reporting via AdminCP as present if a spammer slips in (so far after two days this is great)

[mmurtha]

Hey Pedigree,

It's about time you and your Mod got the attention each deserves.

Congrats on the amount of votes you are accumulating for Mod of the Month! ;)

Hope you win it this time, you deserve it ...


Mary


Btw I think we can all say we're very glad that you hate spammers that much. :D

[techtir]

There is a small mod by Wired1, taken from code I posted, that allows you to report users from the admincp/user page. hardly the best method for bulk removal/reporting but its two clicks to report something. .

I've uninstalled the reporting feature as it was causing intermittent loss of the menu / frameset. I'd get only the main part of page as entire web page.

I'm simply not getting spammers through now anyway.. so Reporting registered users isn't an issue..

[techtir]

Actually, it's not the user reporting xml add on. My Admincp is intermittently loosing the frameset and only showing main target.


I changed
if (!is_member_of($user['usergroupid'], 6)) //hides it if user is an Admin

to this

if (is_member_of($user['usergroupid'], 8)) //shows it only if you have banned the user

IMO that makes more sense to only report people you already banned. Can't accidentally report anyone.

[The_Rayman]

Thnx m8! Need it unfortunately :)

[Sax on the Web]

:confused:
Perhaps a stupid question, but where is the log of blocked registration attempts?

[Sax on the Web]

...
...................................

admincp/vbstopforumspam.php - thats the log file, you should be able to hit it directly.

I installed earlier today, but have no such PHP file? :confused:

[techtir]

Admincp, menu down side

Penultimate menu, near bottom left Statistics & Logs
Then 4th item in it, vbStopForumSpam Logs

[thincom2000]

I've had this installed for over a year now. I must say, this has done wonders to cut down my spam registrations. Just looking at my logs about 90% of my registration attempts are spam-related. That's 90% user moderation I don't have to do later.

[Sax on the Web]

Admincp, menu down side

Penultimate menu, near bottom left Statistics & Logs
Then 4th item in it, vbStopForumSpam Logs

I reinstalled the product and still cannot see vbStopForumSpam Logs on menu?

The file name says product-vbstopforumspam-3.54.xml

Although I downloaded today, did I somehow get an old version?
=====================

Update:
Now I downloaded the ZIP-file, and got it working.
Thanks you,

[skippybosco]

it looks like you downloaded the legacy version of the Mod (left for backward compatibility)

Just download the .zip file and everything is in there.

[ShaolinTiger]

Awesome, thanks for this. Been watching the Stop Forum Spam database for a while and hoping someone would do a good integration with vB.

I'm using the mod now and seems great so far, only one problem is I've blocked a lot of e-mail addresses and domains (.ru, .cn, .cc etc) and the log shows the registration is allowed even tho the registration was blocked (due to banned email address).

So the bot keeps hammering the registration page and I get a flooded log like this:

teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:57 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:54 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:51 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:47 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:44 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:40 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:36 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:32 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:28 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:24 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:19 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:16 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:12 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration
teksMaysletly 2009-10-28 15:27:08 qgfmnues@mail.ru 188.163.44.43 Allowed registration

Anything we can do about this? Perhaps change the order of the spam check to after any other ban conditions.

[techtir]

Add the individual emails (plus IP and username) to stopforumspam.

Blocking entire top level domains, is up to you, but not recommended for an international site. Look at Spammer map and you will see that UK + Germany + USA is worse than Russia + China. Real people do use .ru .cn etc.

[pedigree]

Anything we can do about this? Perhaps change the order of the spam check to after any other ban conditions.

Without going back and looking at all the hooks, I dont think that there is an easy way to hook the mod so that its done after vbulletin tests.

[kevcj]

Outstanding modification - thank you very much.

[jmpa]

I this really efficient? I know my spammers keep mutating.

[Kingdombuilder]

Does this work for 3.8 as well?

[skippybosco]

@Kingdombuilder: Yes.

[pedigree]

I this really efficient? I know my spammers keep mutating.

Do 100% of your spammers mutate 100% of the time?

If not, then yes, its a very powerful tool to stop spammers getting into your boards.

[gerbil249]

Will this work on 3.8.3?

[pedigree]

Will this work on 3.8.3?

Like it says in the mod, in the big red letters

Works in 3.83

[Medtech]

This mod works with all mutations of spammers as it gets updated at one forum, it will cover the rest. if i submit a spammer on my forum, he will never get to register on yours unless he changes userid, ip, and email.

This is the best spam prevention tool i have ever seen! I have been averaging 2 spammers a year since i installed this mod. Before i installed it, i was getting 10 spammers a day on the average.

[93Corvette]

Being a Newbie, I found this mod very simple to install.

I'm still using 3.7.4 PL1, and the only thing I would change in the Installation.txt file is this:
Is:
4 - You can edit the default rejection message by Admin Control Panel / Languages & Phrases / Phrase Manager / Front-End Error Messages / vbstopformspam_reject and vbstopformspam_reject_connectionerror

Change to this:
4 - You can edit the default rejection message by Admin Control Panel / Languages & Phrases / Phrase Manager / Pull down: Error Messages / vbstopformspam_reject and vbstopformspam_reject_connectionerror
---------------
Now I hope some spammers come along so I can see this work.... From what I understand, I just look in the ACP/Statistics and Logs for vbStopForumSpam Logs correct?

[gerbil249]

Another question,

I hope I did this right, tell me if I did.

I dragged the upload files to the public_html folder in my ftp program.

Then I imported it in the admincp.

I now see it in the vb options.

Did I do everything right?

[El Orans]

@El Orans: That path should be changed to what is relevant to your vB install and whether you changed the path of your admin control panel such as:

http://yourdomain.com/vb/admin/vbstopforumspam.php

Alternative, assuming you have stopforumspam installed and working:

1) log into your admin control panel
2) look for the sidebar on the left side and scroll to the bottom (Statistics and Logs)
3) Expand the "Statistics and Logs" section
4) You should see a "vbStopForumSpam Logs"Oh, it is working but when I run vbstopforumspam.php it only gives me a blank page in the Admin CP framework.

I also noticed it when doing an upgrade to 3.8.4. The upgrade script seems to generate a blank page, nothing else. :confused:

[pedigree]

Oh, it is working but when I run vbstopforumspam.php it only gives me a blank page in the Admin CP framework.

I also noticed it when doing an upgrade to 3.8.4. The upgrade script seems to generate a blank page, nothing else. :confused:

Hmm, thats strange. If you dont mind and if you have access my phpmyadmin (or the likes), could you spare me a couple of minutes to help me fix your blank page issue? If so, send me a PM and we can talk there.

[pedigree]

Another question,

I hope I did this right, tell me if I did.

I dragged the upload files to the public_html folder in my ftp program.

Then I imported it in the admincp.

I now see it in the vb options.

Did I do everything right?

Sounds like it to me. You can test it by going to www.stopforumspam.com, picking a random username from the homepage and attempting to register on your forum with it (if you have username filetering enabled that is). If you get an "sod odd" error, then youre set.

[pedigree]

Being a Newbie, I found this mod very simple to install.

I'm still using 3.7.4 PL1, and the only thing I would change in the Installation.txt file is this:
Is:
4 - You can edit the default rejection message by Admin Control Panel / Languages & Phrases / Phrase Manager / Front-End Error Messages / vbstopformspam_reject and vbstopformspam_reject_connectionerror

Change to this:
4 - You can edit the default rejection message by Admin Control Panel / Languages & Phrases / Phrase Manager / Pull down: Error Messages / vbstopformspam_reject and vbstopformspam_reject_connectionerror
---------------
Now I hope some spammers come along so I can see this work.... From what I understand, I just look in the ACP/Statistics and Logs for vbStopForumSpam Logs correct?

Will do and yes, thats right, thats where you can see the logs from the mod.

[El Orans]

Hmm, thats strange. If you dont mind and if you have access my phpmyadmin (or the likes), could you spare me a couple of minutes to help me fix your blank page issue? If so, send me a PM and we can talk there.PM sent.

[gerbil249]

now when I try to register a normal name, it wont work, it says this,

Warning: require_once(includes/functions_vbsfs.php) [function.require-once]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in [path]/register.php(385) : eval()'d code on line 76

Fatal error: require_once() [function.require]: Failed opening required 'includes/functions_vbsfs.php' (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/realshi1/public_html/register.php(385) : eval()'d code on line 76"

What happened? I used 0.61 and I didn't delete anything, even though the instruction said to.

[Kat]

I just checked and I have 542 log entries since I installed this a few weeks ago. And I also have Stop the Bots installed so that bounces several spammers a day too.

My question is, how often should we delete the log files? Does it matter?

[pedigree]

@Kat It doesnt really matter, the table size for that data is nothing compared to vbulletin. You can delete it as little or as much as you like

[pedigree]

now when I try to register a normal name, it wont work, it says this,


Warning: require_once(includes/functions_vbsfs.php) [function.require-once]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in [path]/register.php(385) : eval()'d code on line 76

Fatal error: require_once() [function.require]: Failed opening required 'includes/functions_vbsfs.php' (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/realshi1/public_html/register.php(385) : eval()'d code on line 76"

What happened? I used 0.61 and I didn't delete anything, even though the instruction said to.

You havent installed it properly, in that you havent uploaded the files in the "upload" folder to your public_html folder. The cause is in the error "includes/functions_vbsfs.php" not found.

My mod required no files to be deleted.

[gerbil249]

You havent installed it properly, in that you havent uploaded the files in the "upload" folder to your public_html folder. The cause is in the error "includes/functions_vbsfs.php" not found.

My mod required no files to be deleted.

So, when I click the upload folder, it takes me to 3 different folders to chose from, originally, I dragged the entire upload folder to the public_html folder, and I got this error, what should I do? Drag each one of those 3 individual folders to public_html? Or what?

[pedigree]

So, when I click the upload folder, it takes me to 3 different folders to chose from, originally, I dragged the entire upload folder to the public_html folder, and I got this error, what should I do? Drag each one of those 3 individual folders to public_html? Or what?

Yes, as is says in the instructions

[gerbil249]

Yes, as is says in the instructions

alright, and how can I fix the error? Just install it correctly?

[pedigree]

Installing it properly will result in no errors

[Kat]

Put includes in your forum/includes folder, images in your forum/images folder and admincp in forum/admincp or whatever your admin folder is called.

Sorry, I know you already answered his question but the answer was a bit confusing to me so I thought I would just explain it from a different angle.

[gerbil249]

Put includes in your forum/includes folder, images in your forum/images folder and admincp in forum/admincp or whatever your admin folder is called.

Sorry, I know you already answered his question but the answer was a bit confusing to me so I thought I would just explain it from a different angle.

Okay, I did what you said to do,

Now, I deleted the file when I originally attempted and resulted in a registration error. I did everything correctly, putting the files in the correct place, such as, Public_html > Includes Then I drag the folder to it.

And I still get the error. What could be the problem?


"Warning: require_once(includes/functions_vbsfs.php) [function.require-once]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in [path]/register.php(385) : eval()'d code on line 76

Fatal error: require_once() [function.require]: Failed opening required 'includes/functions_vbsfs.php' (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/realshi1/public_html/register.php(385) : eval()'d code on line 76"

[gerbil249]

I still get the same error I did when registering a regular account, and I deleted the file that I messed up on, and I did what you said.

I clicked on public_html, then I dragged the includes folder to the includes. And same for all. And I deleted the one folder I messed up on.

Why is this still happening? What am I doing wrong?

[bouvier]

I did a dry run of installing VBStopforumspam on a test install of vbulletin v 3.8.4. The test install worked fine, no problems.

Then I followed the same steps on the live system. A database error was reported by vb.
Specifically
Database error in vBulletin 3.8.4:

Invalid SQL:

REPLACE INTO datastore
(title, data, unserialize)
VALUES
('options',

This was followed by all the replace values.

Now when I go into vb options and try to shut down the forum.. I get the same db error. I then uninstalled the VBStopForumSpam mod . The system threw another db error (same as above) however looking at the installed products list, the mod is not listed any more. So part of the uninstall worked.

The log files were never listed on the production server. They were listed on the test server after the install.

It looks like the original install only partially completed.

At the bottom of the log entry it reads:

MySQL Error : Got a packet bigger than 'max_allowed_packet' bytes
Error Number : 1153
Request Date : Sunday, November 1st 2009 @ 10:24:32 PM
Error Date : Sunday, November 1st 2009 @ 10:24:34 PM
Script : http://myforum.com/eZ563/plugin.php?do=productimport
Referrer : http://myforum.com/eZ563/plugin.php?do=productadd


Any suggestions how might back out of this gracefully? Also, any idea as to why this may have happened?

Thank you
CM

[Gav-n-Tn]

Try removing it with your FTP software. I run it on my 3.8.4 and it works like a champ. No problems and HIGHLY recommended. Make sure that you have done everything step by step (easy). PM pedigree too. Really GREAT at communicating and helping you out.

[pedigree]

REPLACE INTO datastore
(title, data, unserialize)
VALUES
('options',

This isnt SQL that my Mod uses.

MySQL Error : Got a packet bigger than 'max_allowed_packet' bytes

This is a mySQL database error. mysql is given more data that it can handle. Try installing/uninstalling it. The mod doesnt really make that much in the way of database changes.

This is the database uninstall

DROP TABLE IF EXISTS`".TABLE_PREFIX."vbstopforumspam`
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS`".TABLE_PREFIX."vbstopforumspam_log`
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS`".TABLE_PREFIX."vbstopforumspam_remotecache`
ALTER TABLE " . TABLE_PREFIX . "usergroup DROP vbstopforumspamviewpermissions
ALTER TABLE " . TABLE_PREFIX . "usergroup DROP vbstopforumspamsubmitpermissions

And delete the vbstopforumspam hooks for register_addmember_process and register_addmember_complete

And why it happened, no idea im afraid. There looks like there is underlying mysql database issues on your server. If you really really need, and you have phpymadmin, PM me and Ill see if I can uninstall it for you, althought Im not convinced my mod killed your forum. It looks like vbulletin has stopped with an error of its own, when trying to uninstall something

in vb_databstore, there are two rows that my mod appears in. This IS a vbulletin table, not one of mine -products & plugins. I would reinstall/unnistalling/reinstalling/uninstalling as vbulletin has choked here.

[fulviods]

hi, thanks it works fine except one problem.
Since I ve installed it on a 3.8.2 i can't erase anymore users from the list "users waiting validation".

I can erase them one by one from the user menu, but not from the list! any idea?

thanks

this is the error
Database error in vBulletin 3.8.2:

Invalid SQL:
DELETE FROM vb_user WHERE userid = 206;

[pedigree]

hi, thanks it works fine except one problem.
Since I ve installed it on a 3.8.2 i can't erase anymore users from the list "users waiting validation".

I can erase them one by one from the user menu, but not from the list! any idea?

thanks

this is the error
Database error in vBulletin 3.8.2:

Invalid SQL:
DELETE FROM vb_user WHERE userid = 206;

This is valid SQL but my mod doesnt touch any user admin in this way. I created users on my test forum (default install, just my mod) and I was able to delete users. This doesnt look like my mod causing these issues.

[fulviods]

ok in fact...now it works!! it was a server problem probably! thanks and sorry ;)

[Ohiosweetheart]

What is the importance of the API Key? Do I have to have one?
I'm confused as to how to get the key.

Thanks

[techtir]

The API key is for reporting

Read http://www.stopforumspam.com/add

signup to Forums also with same email

[ShaolinTiger]

Would it be possible in the next version to integrate with the "Delete as Spam" hook and have a checkbox to submit user details to the Stop Forum Spam database when you delete as spam.

[ilrglen]

I saw cURL mentioned a few times here. What exactly is this and is it needed in order to run this mod? I don't look after the server myself as my site is hosted by another company and I don't know if they use cURL. I'm still waiting to hear back from them. Thanks.

[techtir]

it's a php method preferable (I think) to fopen to get text via a URL

If you have the correct PHP version, you probably don't need to worry.

[ilrglen]

Thanks. I just heard back from the hosting company and they do have it. Apparently all of their software is current.

[skippybosco]

@ilrglen:

create a file on your server called phpinfo.php and put the following in it:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>


then browse to http://yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php (or wherever you put the file) and search for CURL in the results. Should see something like this:
cURL support enabled
cURL Information libcurl/7.14.0 zlib/1.2.3 libidn/0.6.8

[SamirDarji]

@ilrglen:

create a file on your server called phpinfo.php and put the following in it:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>


then browse to http://yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php (or wherever you put the file) and search for CURL in the results. Should see something like this:You can also see the phpinfo without creating a file from the admincp under Maintenance-->View PHP Info.

[skippybosco]

You can also see the phpinfo without creating a file from the admincp under Maintenance-->View PHP Info.

I had no idea that was there.. cool!

[ilrglen]

You can also see the phpinfo without creating a file from the admincp under Maintenance-->View PHP Info.

Hey, that was even easier. Thanks guys. It's in there.

[Wired1]

Pedigree: Take down the October 2009 MotM message... CAUSE YOU WON :)

[Ohiosweetheart]

Where do I find the spam log viewer as shown in the attachments? For some reason, I can't locate it.

[kylek]

Where do I find the spam log viewer as shown in the attachments? For some reason, I can't locate it.

Admincp > Statistics & Logs > vbstopforumspam logs

[rootsxrocks]

I keep finding stopforumspam.com when looking up suspicious users , Unless someone tells me there is a better Mod I think Ill try this as well.

[skippybosco]

This mod uses stopforumspam.com data to check against.

[Ohiosweetheart]

Wow this mod is rejecting just about everyone with a gmail address.



Admincp > Statistics & Logs > vbstopforumspam logs
Thank you :)

[Gav-n-Tn]

I keep finding stopforumspam.com when looking up suspicious users , Unless someone tells me there is a better Mod I think Ill try this as well.

This mod uses stopforumspam.com data to check against.

Wow this mod is rejecting just about everyone with a gmail address.

Thank you :)

This is an awesome mod (I LOVE IT!) but be careful not to let SFS be your ONLY way of trying to stop the idgits. I'm sure the author of this will tell you the same but it does get better as more people report the spammers to SFS and build the database. I still moderate all new members as a second line of defense and I use more than just SFS to check the IPs.

[techtir]

It's only rejecting spammers with gmail address. We have plenty of real members with gmail addresses.

A recent tactic of US spammers seems to be to get a fresh Nigerian Human to sign up. We see the IP is Nigerian and do nothing. About 5min to 15min later the 1st post comes, a large advert for phones etc from a US IP, often with new email addresses to send the order to.

If it's a cable or Fibre IP, then the user IP doesn't change much. So then we add those posting Emails and original email to VB's own blocked emails list (in case in future Stopforumspam is down) and then add all the IPs and Emails and user names to stopforumspam.

I'd like to see this mod add blocked or banned IPs & email, (i.e. no matter if registration was successfull or not) to VB's blocked list.

I already made one tiny change on the addon reporting script so the Report to Stopforumspam box and button doesn't appear unless the user is Banned user group (Change NOT admintrators group to EQUAL Banned Group). That submit button needs to simply update the Blocked IPs and Banned Emails settings visible in VBoptions userBanning, two SQL statements)

[pedigree]

I'd like to see this mod add blocked or banned IPs & email, (i.e. no matter if registration was successfull or not) to VB's blocked list.

I already made one tiny change on the addon reporting script so the Report to Stopforumspam box and button doesn't appear unless the user is Banned user group (Change NOT admintrators group to EQUAL Banned Group). That submit button needs to simply update the Blocked IPs and Banned Emails settings visible in VBoptions userBanning, two SQL statements)

Explain the 1st one a bit more if you could please. 2nd one - click click, add the IP number to the vbulletin banned IP address list as well?

[techtir]

Here is the code from the "submit" to stopforumspam. It's the plugin add on I got from this thread with one small change.

if (is_member_of($user['usergroupid'], 8)) // we dont want to ban our admin account now do we
{
print_table_break('', $INNERTABLEWIDTH);
print_table_header("vbStopForumSpam");
if ($vbulletin->options["vbstopforumspam_apikey"])
print_label_row('Submit these details to www.stopforumspam.com ban list<BR><table><tr><td>Username:</td><td><input type="text" name="username" size="30" value="'.
$user['username'] . '"></td></tr><tr><td>Email:</td><td><input type="text" name="email" size="30" value="' . $user['email'] . '"></td></tr><tr><td>IP:&nbsp;</td><td><input type="text" name="ip_addr" value="' .$user['ipaddress'] . '"></td></tr></table><input name="api_key" type="hidden" value="' . $vbulletin->options['vbstopforumspam_apikey'] . '"><input onclick="this.form.action=\'http://www.stopforumspam.com/add.php\';this.form.submit()" type="button" class="button" value="' . $vbphrase['submit'] . '"/>');

else
print_label_row('You need an API key from www.stopforumspam.com before you can submit to the database' ,'');
}
Changed line
if (is_member_of($user['usergroupid'], 8))
Note it's now ==8, banned Group, rather than != Admin Group

This means the box with email, username, IP and submit to stopforumspam only appears if you banned user (i.e. automagically via Delete all posts as Span etc)
I haven't added anything else.
But this is where you would add two SQL statements, one to add email and other to add IP to the database normally accessed manually in VBoptions User Banning settings.
Then assuming all the spammer's posts where physically deleted you can now safely delete the user.
I usually also manually add IP used and email quoted in the Spamvertisment that is deleted, as well as the user account IP and email.

None of this is automatic, I'm only suggesting that that's what I would automate and where I'd add it.

[techtir]

The other issue is that the vbstopforumspam 1st checks IP then it checks email.
If there is a match on email in log I update manually the IP and user name with that email to Stopforumspam as the email pretty much is always real spammer.
a)
That would be a useful thing to automate.

b)
Since spammers usually try with same email and / or IP multiple times and stopforum spam database could go down for a while, I thought that if any successful blocks on email or IP found at stopforumspam, it would make sense to automatically update VB's own blocking database with those likely to be retried IP and/or email. I think that's quite useful compromise between loading the entire stopforumspam database (and syncronising changes) or doing nothing.

I don't think anything needs added to the "in forum" delete as spam or ban user as you want to review banned users in Admin CP before blocking/reporting them.

The Submit code (in last post above) ideally should use a custom user field (Reported) and NOT automatically delete the user. Then the button text could be Unsubmit and remove the details from Stopforumspam, the vboptions user blocking, and unbanned the user (change group to Registered User) if it was all a mistake. Mistakes happen.

[Johndd]

Fantastic I was getting really frustrated banning spammers every morning. Thanks

[Barteh]

It's only rejecting spammers with gmail address. We have plenty of real members with gmail addresses.

A recent tactic of US spammers seems to be to get a fresh Nigerian Human to sign up. We see the IP is Nigerian and do nothing. About 5min to 15min later the 1st post comes, a large advert for phones etc from a US IP, often with new email addresses to send the order to.

If it's a cable or Fibre IP, then the user IP doesn't change much. So then we add those posting Emails and original email to VB's own blocked emails list (in case in future Stopforumspam is down) and then add all the IPs and Emails and user names to stopforumspam.

I'd like to see this mod add blocked or banned IPs & email, (i.e. no matter if registration was successfull or not) to VB's blocked list.

I already made one tiny change on the addon reporting script so the Report to Stopforumspam box and button doesn't appear unless the user is Banned user group (Change NOT admintrators group to EQUAL Banned Group). That submit button needs to simply update the Blocked IPs and Banned Emails settings visible in VBoptions userBanning, two SQL statements)Easiest way to deal with this is both a reCaptcha protected 'contact us' form (which iirc is automatically referred to when people are unable to register because of banned email addresses) and a moderation queue for new users.
vBSFS keeps out the vast majority of spammers (say, 999 per 1000 attempts at least), so you'll only have to deal with possible human spammers on occasion, assuming you have enough people who can authorise new users of course. You might want to install the ModCP moderate new users plugin (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=200955) as well, helps share this load with your supermoderators and thus keeps response time to a minimum.

[Coop1979]

Wow, I installed this an hour ago and already have had 20 spammers try to sign up and be rejected!

[pedigree]

Im in the code again at the moment, putting code in there so that its hooked in inline_deleteaspam.

Now, given that you can delete posts as spam and not ban someone, what options should be put in to avoid submitting non banned users to the database?

Either
1. No submission to the database if the user isnt set to be perm-banned
2. A form checkbox in the page, to overwrite #1
3. Admin options (off by default) that allows non-banned users to be submitted regardless of the form data.

[Wired1]

After you select Delete post as spam, under Punitive Action add a 3rd radio box that says "Ban these users and submit to vBSFS". It'd be nice if it submitted the IP they posted from as well as the IP they registered from, as like someone said earlier, they can be different. ESPECIALLY those wankers who spam the cell phone crap!

[pedigree]

Thats what I have at the moment but submitting data when not banning a user, a bit of an odd action