Possibly a new way of phishing on Tanki Online forums! (A thread to raise awareness)

[hhgb 2,655]

Edited to Ver. 3.4

 

This can be seen anywhere on any website that allows the use of hyperlinks!

 

How it works: A hacker will hyperlink an external link to his scamming site, which may contain, who knows what.

 

What it looks like (Hyperlink will go to Tanki Online forums): The Link to the Tanki Online forums looks like this: http://forum.tankionline.com . But you can change how the link looks, so it will look like this: http://freecrystals.ru

 

(Usually when you click an external link on Tanki Online's forums, you receive a warning, but many people ignore it.)

 

How to avoid falling for the trap: If you see a hyperlink that looks like a trustable website's URL, (on windows 7) mouse over it and you will see below your cursor if it says: 'External Link', if so, look at the bottom left of your screen to check the actual URL. 

 

(people may post small images to make you click them and make it larger, but it could send you to another website)

It also works with images (that includes all forms, even .gif) (Image linked to Tanki Online forums):  

as suggested by @joostcool

 

How to report it/get them banned: I would recommend quoting the  the post (so them editing it won't work), and tell the moderators to contact you for more evidence e.g. the link, and remove the URL/hyperlink in the quote to stop people from going to the site. Take a screenshot of the URL, and post in it's original form while mousing over the hyperlink (if there is one). 

 

PMs: Private messages are a bit harder to report, as the scammer may delete/edit the post(s).

 

One of the many ways you can report the scammer is by quoting the message(s) before the scammer edits it/them, a screenshot may be helpful too*, then you may report the message(s) using the Report button.

 

If the scammer deletes the message(s), you can download the conversation, from there you can provide a copy of the message(s) or take screenshot(s)*.

 

 

 

*try to keep it a full screenshot, tabs don't have to be shown in the screenshot from what I have learned, make sure it is NOT edited in any way, or if editing to make it clearer, include the non-edited screenshot as well

 

 

 

 

I might improve this guide if the moderators don't take over it (Improve and put in their words).

 

I give full permission to moderators or Administrators to edit/reproduce this post in any way, or form, as long as they mention my name.

 

 

 

Thread created for educational purposes, not educating phishers/hackers on ways of obtaining private information.

Edited August 11, 2014 by hhgb

[Aero.v2.0 1,456]

This is a good thing to point out. I think you should be able to tell just be looking at the topic, but this is another good way. Also, the hyperlink will say you are going to an external site, while if it is an official tanki link, it will just redirect you.

[hhgb 2,655]

This is a good thing to point out. I think you should be able to tell just be looking at the topic, but this is another good way. Also, the hyperlink will say you are going to an external site, while if it is an official tanki link, it will just redirect you.

I included that it says that in the OP

 

 

   (Usually when you click an external link on Tanki Online's forums, you recieve a warning, but many people ignore it.)

Edited May 14, 2014 by hhgb

[Aero.v2.0 1,456]

I included that it says that in the OP

 

Missed that, my bad.

[Remaine 4,687]

Very nice, hhgb

[Meliora 1,652]

*claps*, thanks for pointing out something which has been in use for months, and most people have already figured out.

[robble56 117]

*claps*, thanks for pointing out something which has been in use for months, and most people have already figured out.

This always come in handy for new people who join the forum.

[Eragon 13,876]

Yeah I know about it. Good for new nooblings

[GoldRock 6,165]

A useful thread for newer forum members, well done.

[AngeIs.And.Demons 1,988]

Nice :)

[joostcool 5,942]

Same happens with pictures. It's possible to put a link behind a picture. So when you click the picture you get redirected to scam.

[Therider 2,034]

knew this

but hey great guide!

P.S finally a useful topic from you! keep it up..

[Nltobh 498]

great guide :D for new comers 

[rokar123 11]

Nice.

[Mr.SV.ENS 738]

Very good job :)

[hhgb 2,655]

Updated to V2

[DarkOperative 5,580]

Nicely done. :)

[hhgb 2,655]

updated to be more specific in a few areas, and fixed grammar errors in OP.

 

Ver. 2.1 is out

Edited May 15, 2014 by hhgb

[HirunMeepage 763]

Good Job @hhgb, and keep this updated!

Good Luck with this, Keep it up!

[red_tank_the_best 300]

Nice guide, but what about external links and pop-ups in PM's?

Many of us had problems with it.o

[mdit108 121]

Very nice...this is sure to increase awareness

[monkeyburn 13,523]

+1

[hhgb 2,655]

Updated OP to show, How to report it/get them banned (May need citation from moderators), Ver. 2.8 is out!

Edited May 15, 2014 by hhgb

[Klankill804 753]

Thanks for the warnings. I really appreciate it.

[mrandrewstevens 1]

In Conclusion, It's best to not click "I understand the risk" when going to what is, or what appears to be, an official Tanki online web address.