Spammers target vBulletin users

Users of content management systems and message boards such as vBulletin have been warned about a new scam on Web 2.0 communities.

Jason Morrison, from Google's search quality team, wrote on its Webmaster Central Blog that fake spam profiles are being set up and they could have a negative impact on businesses.

Profiles may often be filled with redirecting JavaScript code or fake embedded videos that direct traffic elsewhere. If fake members of a community message potential or current customers with such links, they may be unwilling to visit a website in the future.

While vBulletin makes it easy for firms to deploy content, auto-generated pages can be abused by spammers, Mr Morrison stated.

He added: "We often see large numbers of fake profiles on one innocent site all linking to the same domain, so once you find one, you should make it simple to remove all of them."

Users of vBulletin may want to ensure their pages are spam free, as the online community hosting platform claims that it can encourage individuals to return to a business site because it is seen as a forum for information and discussions.

Written by Debra Hastings-Henry