Does Responding To Spam Attract More Spam?

[naomi24]

One or two here, upon spotting spam, are in the habit of posting 'Reported' beneath it, presumably either because they aspire to be recognised as potential mods or simply to save others reporting it. However, one member has said that by doing that it counts as a 'hit' for the spammers and that attracts further unwanted posts from them. Now I'm curious, Does that mean anything posted after a 'spam' post counts as a hit and attracts more spam? If not, how does it work? I can't imagine how a spammer recognises a specific response that relates solely to his efforts. Or … is it simply not true?

[pastafreak]

I've seen it mentioned frequently on here that any response is a hit...so I've assumed it's true. Whatever...it gives them attention.
Now I'm curious to see if there's an explanation.

[davebro]

I don't think it's true - it will only be a "hit" if you click on any link they provide (I could be wrong tho').

[naomi24]

I think you're right, dave.

[bhg481]

Clearly, if anybody clicks on a link provided by a spammer that will count as a hit. AB lists at the top of every post how many replies there have been to that post; what we don't know is whether or not hackers can get at that information to see how much interest there has been in that subject.

[naomi24]

BHG, this is not about clicking on links. It was said that a simple response like 'Reported' would generate more spam.

[Bobbisox1]

I’ve reported ‘Eleanor’ this morning and believe me I have no aspirations on becoming a Mod :0)))
One of here posts went on forever with links

[Bobbisox1]

I read that too Naomi, I doubt if it’s true though, you’re not actually opening a link

[bhg481]

Naomi - currently there have been 5 responses to this thread - this will make it at least 6. I was saying that we don't know if hackers can easily get at that number which reflects how much interest there has been in the subject. I realise hackers can look manually but can they get at the number using software?

[gulliver1]

Some busybody abers just love reporting, and not just the spammers. Most of them seem to get a thrill out of it .... Probably the only little bit of power they have ever had in their lifetime.

[ToraToraTora]

Nothing you do on AB will make it to the spammer, if you click on one of their links then that's different. AB could probably get most of it by auto deleting anything with Gummies/keto in the title but I guess they fear zapping genuine posters

[Bobbisox1]

I gave up ever reporting you a long time ago Gully because all I feel is pity for you , I did report my troll last weekend though if that helps?

[gulliver1]

11.38 Never mentioned you in my post B/S , but you know the old saying about the Cap ... if it fits.

[naomi24]

bhg, I know what you’re saying - and that might somehow work if the spam is the original post - but when the spam comes, say, in the middle of an unrelated thread, as they very often do, subsequent posts on the original OP can't possibly be considered to relate to them. I think in order for the spammers to count 'hits' the links they post have to be opened - as dave has said.

[Bobbisox1]

I know you didn’t , I’m owning it who I reported and why , so if it’s not me it must be Lcg you mean, haha , I think she feels pity for you too mind :0)))

[Gromit]

No.
It isn’t ‘spam’ as in an unwanted email correspondence. It is a junk post.
Responding to an email confirms a valid email and does encourage more.
Reporting bogus posts gets them removed quickly, and the sender banned. That reduces bogus posts.

It does not work. Some now look as though they are generated by a bot, they are not in proper sentences.

[Peter Pedant]

What - the whiners reporters and deleters of this site- get hacked and lose all their loo-lah

as a frequent flier when it comes to BEING reported
yes please !

I think it is clicky clicky on the link only

[Peter Pedant]

Some busybody abers just love reporting,
you get whiners gristlers and sneaks on any site Gully
it is just a fact of life...

[Bobbisox1]

Thanks Gromit

[Bobbisox1]

Gully has a fan, awww sweet

[Etch]

If spammers subscribed to a thread they had created or added to, wouldn't that result in them being notified, via e-mail, every time someone responded to the same thread, thus providing feedback without having to revisit the site?:
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Answerbank-Suggestions/Question965752.html#answer-5428185