banned email adress?

Sita · 19 Feb 2011, 23:17

Hello, I don't know if this is important, but the email I used when I registered does not longer exist. Now I attempted to change it in my profile to my current one, but it says, "this email adress has been banned"?

I feel like a criminal

Mothra · 20 Feb 2011, 14:17

I've had exactly the same issue when trying to change mine in the past. My old employer still gets the odd email prompting me of a PM!

21 Feb 2011, 09:49

There are quite a few email providers who have been infested with spambots so we had to ban.

Full list of banned domains:

*@*.biz
*@*.by
*@*.ci
*@*.fm
*@*.info
*@*.ua
*@*.uz
*@*.ws
*@001.md
*@0gift.org
*@1-forum.org
*@10pharm.com
*@12-inch-remix.info
*@126.com
*@1alcoholrehab.org
*@1chuan.com
*@1foru.com
*@1net.gr
*@1prikid.ru
*@1wrz.com
*@1zhuan.com
*@2000lv.com
*@2wiki.org
*@34jg-rjgrep.info
*@3gpgsm.com
*@3w.kz
*@4euronat.com
*@4warding.com
*@4warding.net
*@4warding.org
*@7medi.com
*@GameBox.net
*@Guex.com
*@SORI.com
*@a-bts.com
*@a.ua
*@aaaaxxx.com
*@abatsk.com
*@aberdeenwashingtonways.com
*@abovegroundpooldeckissues.com
*@abovegroundpoolfiltershoppers.com
*@account.serveftp.net
*@achine.cn
*@acquisitionloan.info
*@acre.fr.cr
*@adresik.com
*@adsense1.org
*@adultgallerywebcams.info
*@advertads.com
*@advertfast.com
*@agolubi.org
*@ajiex.info
*@alamostrade.com
*@alchevsk-city.com
*@alex4all.com
*@alexandria.cc
*@alexxxxalexxxx.com
*@algreatpics.net
*@alladultmovies.org
*@allandsads.cn
*@allandsmovies.cn
*@allcoolsites.info
*@allfarm.cn
*@allpetawilson.info
*@allthebest.com
*@allwebdrugs.info
*@alphaspace.org
*@alsado.com
*@altern.org
*@alykpa.biz.st
*@americaloan.info
*@amorki.pl
*@amoxicillin-pharmacy.org
*@anime.pp.ru
*@ankyl.info
*@anm.com
*@annamail.info
*@anticheba.com
*@anticheba.net
*@antimir.net
*@aolo.com
*@apthealthcare.com
*@arcor.de
*@arpad-music.info
*@ashanet.ru
*@ashasvet.ru
*@ashsite.com
*@asianmoviestation.com
*@asm-forever.com
*@atefrog.org
*@atlantmail.com
*@atlaskit.com
*@aurt.cn
*@auto-rus.com
*@auto-sos.com
*@autogid.org
*@avrilka.net
*@avstralia.org
*@axigenmail.com
*@azure-stone.com
*@babesspot.com
*@babusya.com
*@balabolov.net
*@bama-fan.com
*@basserer.info
*@baycip.org
*@berahe.info
*@berezanka.org
*@best-finance.biz
*@best-ringtones-online.info
*@best10sites.org
*@bestash.com
*@bestboyfilms.org
*@bestdrugpills.50webs.com
*@bestemailcontact.org
*@bestfamilymedicine.us
*@bestfarmshop.cn
*@bestfreemall.info
*@bestmailc.com
*@bestnewsfeeds.com
*@bestquicksearch.org
*@bestray.info
*@besttradelink.info
*@bestwayhealth.org
*@bestwebhostingever.de
*@bggmail.byethost13.com
*@bigfatsearch.biz
*@bigmail.org
*@bigmailbox.com
*@bigmir.net
*@bigsearcher.org
*@bigstring.com
*@bimgir.net
*@biz.by
*@bk.ru
*@blaur.ze.cx
*@blogger.com
*@bloknotik.ru
*@blue.devils.com
*@bluebottle.com
*@bluewin.ch
*@blupottle.com
*@bnolmih.com
*@bonbon.net
*@box.az.pl
*@box.ru
*@brestmarket.com
*@brother-d.org
*@bstandard.ru
*@bsuir.net
*@bugulma.org
*@bumpymail.com
*@businessnewsdailyblog.com
*@businessservice.org
*@businessvoc.com
*@buy-24h.net.ru
*@buy-pharma-on.org
*@cards-christmas.info
*@careyblogautoblog.org
*@cars.awardspace.us
*@carspremium.com
*@cashette.com
*@cashettte.com
*@cccp.su
*@centermail.com
*@centermail.net
*@cheap-pharmacy-online.us
*@chihuadog.ru
*@cialissoft.org
*@clauser.info
*@clipssite.cn
*@clxub.com
*@com.ru
*@compare-credit-rates.com
*@consultant.com
*@controlme011.com
*@cooll.org
*@cracklord.com
*@credit-card-751.cn
*@crushermovie.com
*@currencytrade.quickfreehost.com
*@cvportal.net
*@cybergoogs.com
*@cyvx.com
*@daixler.com
*@dapesu.com
*@darkexpress.com
*@dating4best.net
*@dbzmail.com
*@ddeyeas.com
*@ddimpex.co.in
*@ddiver.com
*@ddlfreesoftt-win.com
*@de-world.de
*@dearhomeloan.info
*@debet.bpa.nu
*@deliquent.info
*@delivery-it.info
*@deo-vindice.info
*@deus-vult.info
*@devils.com
*@dezigner.ru
*@dfpijfpwiejf.org
*@diagnostics-car.info
*@dialupispaccess.com
*@dietdrugsguide.org
*@dietmaker.ru
*@digital-photography-art.com
*@dirtycatpics.com
*@discardmail.com
*@discounthomeshopping.org.uk
*@discountsn.info
*@dix.com
*@dkblog.org
*@docpaulanderson.com
*@dodgeit.com
*@doh75.com
*@dohost.info
*@domain*.com
*@domain363.com
*@domain603.com
*@domain636.com
*@domain861.com
*@domain991.com
*@donkop.ru
*@dorspaceebook.com
*@downloadanything.net
*@downloadcrackfreesoftware.com
*@dredge-armature-loader.com
*@drivebuy.co.uk
*@drugi.info
*@drugonline.com
*@drugsmarket.info
*@duplo.com
*@e-haldex.com
*@e-mail.com
*@e-mail.net
*@e-mail.org
*@e-nation.ee
*@e4ward.com
*@ebatca.com
*@ebaysweep.com
*@echofind.com
*@econudeworld.org
*@eggtraffic.com
*@ehotelier.com
*@electronicsdsa.com
*@elfox.net
*@elite-pokers.com
*@elite1000.org
*@email-responder.net
*@email-sender.net
*@email-unlimited.com
*@email-verifier.net
*@email.com
*@email.it
*@email.net
*@email.org
*@email.su
*@emailias.com
*@emailmandirect.org
*@emails.ru
*@eosws.org
*@epolice.net
*@eroticxxx.org
*@espmbua.com
*@etradeoil.com
*@euro-investment.biz
*@europe.com
*@eurwings.com
*@excentrica.org
*@exit.com
*@exlin.net
*@exracers.com
*@facsimile-prints.com
*@fakeinformation.com
*@fansiteworld.com
*@fapclan-bf2.com
*@farminlive.cn
*@fastmessage.org
*@fastprofits.info
*@fat-team.com
*@fatal-job.org
*@fateback.com
*@fda-medications.com
*@fdlojhgpwirhr.info
*@fene4ek.net
*@feoiafek.com
*@fhwrijhwreh.org
*@fidelity-investment.org
*@filki.com
*@filmssdvd.com
*@fin-fin.biz
*@fin-online.biz
*@finance-here.biz
*@finance-on-line.biz
*@finlot.ru
*@fiuz.net
*@fizasox.com
*@fldojhwprhwp.info
*@forecast4today.info
*@foryou74.com
*@foteret.info
*@frebuhyenet.de
*@free-mail-service.info
*@freeadultdirect.com
*@freebestworld.com
*@freebiblemail.com
*@freebiblemail.com
*@freeemailnow.org
*@freefreemail.info
*@freeideasearch.info
*@freemail.lt
*@freemail.ru
*@freemaildirect.org
*@freemedsite.info
*@freemedsite.org
*@freenet.de
*@freepizzamail.org
*@freepochta.info
*@freepochta.info
*@freeservicemail.info
*@freestuffbest.com
*@freestufflot.com
*@friscoes.com
*@fromru.com
*@front.ru
*@front14.org
*@fsmail.net
*@fuckshemale.net
*@fuckxxx.com
*@fulluncensored.com
*@fxtradingseminars.com
*@gala.net
*@gamebox.net
*@gatebill.net
*@gawab.com
*@gawab.comi
*@genericclomid.org
*@genericfinasteride.org
*@genericpharmacydrug.com
*@gery.pl
*@getmiss.com
*@gettopdrug.info
*@gewhiz1.com
*@gfdf.us
*@gfkasjhfg.com
*@gh208hsd8gh.org
*@ghosttexter.de
*@gipopotamo.com
*@girlmail.ru
*@giza.cc
*@globxfx.com
*@gmail.net
*@gmail.org
*@gmail.ru
*@gmx.com
*@gnolet.com
*@go.pl
*@go2.pl
*@godolololok.com
*@godolololokk.com
*@godolololzz.com
*@gogophoto.com
*@gold-profits.info
*@goldwarez.org
*@goodnesss.com
*@googlemail.com
*@goolook.ru
*@gooven.net
*@goowyinc.biz
*@goowyinc.org
*@goresxa.com
*@greatemailaccount.org
*@greatmedsdiscount.info
*@greatmoneynow.org
*@growboxhydroponics.com
*@gurvitsnojew.org
*@hajnan.ru
*@happy-pets.ro
*@hentra.comn
*@herbalsiam.com
*@herzeleid.net
*@hexno.info
*@hfslink.com
*@hghg.com
*@hhh.com
*@hhrntai.cn
*@hhrntaiccc.cn
*@hi5.com
*@hindustanlink.com
*@hodoba.com
*@holmih.com
*@home.tula.net
*@homeadultvidsas.com
*@homeadultvidssas.com
*@homeloancourse.info
*@hoodia-for-free.com
*@hoodiach.com
*@hoodialife.org
*@hopwood.ac.uk
*@hormail.com
*@hostnetpro.com
*@hot-and-free.com
*@hot.ee
*@hotasd.com
*@hotclick.org
*@hotlog.com
*@hotma304l.com
*@hotmail.net
*@hotmail.org
*@hotmail.ru
*@hotpatfj.com
*@hotpop.com
*@houserehab.org
*@housrehab.org
*@hovardl.com
*@humlog.com
*@hyipprogram.org
*@i.ua
*@ietipsandtricks.info
*@iforu.com
*@ikeyo.org
*@iknowthis.info
*@iljy.com
*@imstations.com
*@inbox.lv
*@inbox.ru
*@incesttrade.com
*@inerted.com
*@inetbiznesman.ru
*@inmail24.com
*@inogami.com
*@instant-profits.biz
*@insurance.awardspace.us
*@insurance.homeloancourse.info
*@insurancequotesfreenow.com
*@interdownload.net
*@interia.eu
*@interia.pl
*@intramal.com
*@intwayz.net
*@investment-property-for-you.com
*@iqsearch.org
*@iqsearch.org
*@iscw.org
*@itua.info
*@izmail.net
*@jetable.net
*@jetfix.ee
*@jhff.us
*@jhfhff.us
*@jhhf.us
*@jk.com
*@joocle.com
*@justopt.info
*@jvbrown2.com
*@jvlo.com
*@kan1.info
*@karkulis.com
*@kasmail.com
*@kd93.ru
*@kibermail.com
*@kinozal.tv
*@kisenfad.com
*@kliksa.ze.cx
*@klins.fr.nf
*@kloze.com
*@km.ru
*@knifess.org
*@kors4all.com
*@kropsakademiet.dk
*@krovatka.su
*@labeloikos.com
*@ladyer.com
*@lamamiata.info
*@land.ru
*@last-longer.org
*@latinax.info
*@lavabit.com
*@legalbuds.org
*@lexpark.ru
*@lexsuperman.com
*@life.az
*@lifefreestuff.com
*@lila.biz.st
*@link-exchange-news.info
*@link2mail.net
*@lipetsk.in
*@liqas.com
*@list.ru
*@live.nl
*@liveteenxxx.com
*@livs.ze.cx
*@lkjdfghu3.cn
*@loderun.com
*@lofhpwirhgpwirhg.info
*@logo-handy.info
*@longhorns.com
*@lopigax.com
*@loyallake.com
*@lucky.starnet.md
*@lucraft.freeserve.co.uk
*@lugarus.com
*@lushle.info
*@lviv.in
*@lvivs.com
*@lvovs.com
*@madil.net
*@madtube.info
*@magicresult.com
*@mail.com
*@mail.de
*@mail.health-ua.com
*@mail.jp
*@mail.ru
*@mail.saratov.com
*@mail.uz
*@mail.zp.ua
*@mail15.com
*@mail333.com
*@mailer.bpa.nu
*@mailerrrr.con
*@mailexpire.com
*@mailin8r.com
*@mailinator.com
*@mailmoat.com
*@mailpe.com
*@mails.net
*@mailsome.de
*@mailyandex.net
*@mainru.com
*@manga.com.ru
*@manga.net.ru
*@manga.pp.ru
*@manus-manum-lavat.info
*@marihuana.ro
*@marlboro-ez-cigarettes.com
*@master-ok.com
*@master-x.msk.ru
*@mbsesso.net
*@mbsexo.net
*@medandpharm.info
*@medicinese.info
*@medicinese.org
*@mediciness.net
*@medics.nazwa.pl
*@meds10site.info
*@mega-mail.info
*@megabox.ru
*@megavids.info
*@mercury19.org
*@messagebeamer.de
*@meta.ua
*@metaping.com
*@mfdgdail15.com
*@microsofd.com
*@mikesjewelryhouse.com
*@mintenda.com
*@mirenowredwd.com
*@miter.jp
*@mks-stuff.info
*@mobyportal.com
*@monro.com
*@motodoctor.co.uk
*@motounlockuk.com
*@moviesandklips.cn
*@movieserv.org
*@moyareklama.info
*@mozimoz.net
*@mssoft.org
*@musicianzland.com
*@musicround.net
*@mxvost.info
*@my-mail.ch
*@my-piter.com
*@myadobeshop.com
*@myalushta.net
*@mydarlingpage.info
*@myeasyseek.info
*@myherna.net
*@mylink.name
*@mylove-mail.com
*@mymai.net
*@mymail-in.net
*@mymail.com
*@mymail.net
*@mymail.org
*@mymiail-in.net
*@mysspaccedorrr.com
*@mytop-in.net
*@mytrashmail.com
*@najx.com
*@nakedworldcelebrities.com
*@namba.ru
*@narod.ru
*@nekto.net
*@neomailpro.com
*@nerdshack.com
*@nervmich.net
*@netmails.net
*@netzidiot.de
*@newmail.ru
*@newmailx.com
*@newpostcash.org
*@nhvt.net
*@nightbody.com
*@nightmail.ru
*@nil-admirari.info
*@nm.ru
*@non-olet.info
*@nopalevo.net
*@northemailhost.info
*@northquixmail.com
*@nphost.us
*@nskmail.net
*@nudism-8.com
*@nudists-8.com
*@nudistssite.com
*@nurfuerspam.de
*@o2.pl
*@odc.co.ke
*@ofwehp0hg20hg.org
*@oilco.ru
*@onet.eu
*@online4world.org
*@onlinecipro.org
*@onlinehealthclub.org
*@onlineusapharmacy.org
*@onlymail2007.com
*@oranger.name
*@orderbuyonline.com
*@orlymusic.com
*@osfind.info
*@otaku.com.ru
*@otaku.pp.ru
*@ourpill.info
*@ourvoyeur.com
*@outgun.com
*@ovxe.com
*@oxidiser.net
*@pagoodi.com
*@paraplandv.info
*@patriciaromao.com
*@paydayloanspartner.com
*@paymailpro.com
*@paymailpro.org
*@paynetservices.com
*@peakclick.az.pl
*@pelotka.info
*@penispillsenlargement.co.uk
*@personalloansgalore.com
*@peugehot-club.org
*@peugeot-club.org
*@phreaker.net
*@pi.superfastcontent.com
*@pikantsex.ru
*@pills-search.info
*@pillshoprx.com
*@pingmyhobbit.info
*@pipelaz.com
*@pisem.net
*@piska.org
*@pjhgwprjhwprh.info
*@planesolution.com
*@please-email-me.info
*@pmrmail.com
*@pochta.ru
*@pochta.ws
*@pochtamt.ru
*@poem-ne-poem.info
*@pokushai.org
*@pop3.1net.gr
*@pop3.ru
*@porno-haus.com
*@portsaid.cc
*@poshta.us
*@post.su
*@posta.whyza.net
*@pozitifff.com
*@pptp-service.info
*@primas.fr.cr
*@privacy.net
*@privatepop3.com
*@privetik.net
*@protonet.ru
*@pspdrive.net
*@pu-blocker.com
*@publishean.com
*@pugy.de
*@pumpqw.com
*@punkass.com
*@putoncondoms.com
*@qgfh.com
*@qq.com
*@queen-mail.net
*@quest-source.com
*@qxlb.com
*@rakvon.com
*@ralib.com
*@rambler.ru
*@ramireschat.com
*@razvilki.net
*@realresult.us
*@rechmial.com
*@redjournal.info
*@refiras.info
*@res3.info
*@res4.info
*@res7.info
*@rex1.org
*@rezepte-kochen.info
*@ringtonel.info
*@rosledin.info
*@rotover.info
*@ruchat.org
*@rucialis.com
*@rudemotor.com
*@runbox.com
*@runbox.ru
*@runbox.us
*@rupr.org
*@rusmafia.com
*@russianbridesportal.net
*@russsearch.ru
*@rw.we.name
*@rx-legal.com
*@rxusapharmacy.org
*@safe-mail.net
*@safebox.ru
*@samsonblinded.com
*@samsonbllinded.com
*@sanaa.cc
*@sasaweadasdawdawd.com
*@sat99.info
*@satka.net
*@sculpturecreations.com
*@searchroad.net
*@security-hosting.net
*@seekeng.org
*@seoguide.ws
*@settop.org
*@settopnet.org
*@sevastopol.in
*@sexisbliss.com
*@sexmagnet.com
*@seznam.cz
*@shaw20.ca
*@sheki.az
*@shopforbestmortgage.com
*@sibmail.com
*@sify.com
*@sita.aero
*@sitecareerbuilder.com
*@siteformovies.cn
*@sitemils.com
*@smsmeetstv.com
*@sneakemail.com
*@sniperpoint.net
*@sofort-mail.de
*@softhome.net
*@softprogs.com
*@sogetthis.com
*@soulskiing.com
*@southemailhost.info
*@spam.la
*@spambob.com
*@spambob.net
*@spambob.org
*@spamex.com
*@spamgourmet.com
*@spamhole.com
*@spaminator.de
*@spammotel.com
*@spamtrail.com
*@spanish-tickets.com
*@spivare.com
*@spond.info
*@spyslay.com
*@spywarestop.net
*@sriaus.com
*@sssjhkh.com
*@sssr.name
*@statistics-fund.com
*@student.su
*@stylebrand.com
*@supal.info
*@super.rev
*@superemailaccount.org
*@supermedsusa.info
*@supermortgagerate.info
*@support-a-soldier.com
*@svich.com
*@sweetteensonline.com
*@sweetville.net
*@swipnet.se
*@symbian-petting.info
*@symbian9.ru
*@tadalafilonline.org
*@takoe.com
*@tandilla.net.ru
*@tang.ru
*@techemail.com
*@teen-xxx-art.com
*@teen4us.com
*@telegraf.by
*@temet-nosce.info
*@tenbit.pl
*@terbuny.net
*@terrorismisrael.org
*@test.com
*@the-s-box-land.com
*@the246field.com
*@theemailaddresses.org
*@thefoxemail.com
*@thefunnyvids.org
*@thegreatestfarm.cn
*@thelinkusa.org
*@thepersonalshareware.com
*@theportmantopless.org
*@thequickpay.org
*@this-blog.com
*@tipro.info
*@tlen.pl
*@tmail.net
*@tmail.org
*@tnoq.com
*@toonbeast.com
*@topadult20.info
*@topadultsitesxxxl.us
*@topjobnet.org
*@topmagic.org
*@topmeds20.org
*@topmeds4u.com
*@topratedsitesonline.com
*@topsbka.com
*@totalise.co.uk
*@tradersbus.ru
*@traffsale.com
*@tramadol.quickfreehost.com
*@trancemail.com
*@transformerstech.com
*@trash-mail.de
*@trashmail.net
*@tristia.cn
*@trivas.cn
*@trollcollective.com
*@tropitone.cn
*@trugreen.cn
*@trumhome.info
*@trumonline.info
*@tsidkenu.cn
*@tsukishima.cn
*@tubex.cn
*@tubmans.cn
*@tuertopacia.com
*@tut.by
*@tutzor.powweb.com
*@tvchix.cn
*@twiins.cn
*@twinpharm.cn
*@twistgrip.co.uk
*@txinshop.com
*@typecast.cn
*@ua-news.net
*@ua.fm
*@uacity.com
*@uaclub.net
*@uastar.net
*@uaxc.com
*@ubmission.cn
*@uganska.net
*@uk2.net
*@ukgcity.net
*@ukr.net
*@ukrcialis.com
*@ukrmail.org
*@ukrop.net
*@ukrpills.com
*@ulmail.net
*@ultimate-email.info
*@ultram.org
*@umpire.com
*@uncaf.cn
*@unicorn-shipping.com
*@unlimail.net
*@unlimitedmail.org
*@usa.com
*@usabestlink.org
*@usadaytrade.biz
*@usatodays.us
*@uscreditdepot.com
*@usermail.com
*@ustablets.com
*@uzhe.net
*@uzmail.com
*@vaosoft.com
*@vertax.com
*@verybig.ru
*@verytec.com
*@verytec.org
*@vf.ru
*@vfemail.net
*@viagra.estateguide.ws
*@viagram.info
*@viarg.com
*@videogamebomb.com
*@vinbazar.com
*@vinniky.com
*@viphls.net
*@visit-it.info
*@vjst.com
*@volny.cz
*@voltaren.org
*@vtass.com
*@vzxi.com
*@w4a.ru
*@w717.com
*@walala.org
*@walla.com
*@wasowo.com
*@waxslaapaas.com
*@weare94.com
*@web.de
*@webology.ru
*@winter.in.ua
*@wm.md
*@worknowhome.net
*@world-inform.com
*@world-of-blowjob.com
*@worthyequity.com
*@wp.pl
*@wpoejgpwjeg3wg.org
*@wprihwpihwrhwpir.org
*@wuzup.net
*@wwwfreemail.info
*@xatqcxox.com
*@xbrest.com
*@xenadrine.com
*@xkre.com
*@xm1.biz
*@xmail.com
*@xmail.net
*@xmail.org
*@xrhome.info
*@xsecurity.org
*@xxx-wild-action.com
*@xxx01.info
*@xxxlesbianssite.net
*@xxxlesbiansworld.com
*@xyolkm.com
*@ya.ru
*@yachting-swap.com
*@yahoo.cn
*@yahoo.co.in
*@yahooo.com
*@yandex.ru
*@yeah.net
*@year2000.com
*@yoblog.info
*@yoricksite.biz
*@yourcarusa.com
*@youremailsoftware.org
*@yourfarmmail.org
*@yourgamesfree.info
*@youriloan.com
*@yourmedserv.info
*@yourwebpublic.org
*@youtubepromotions.com
*@yuah.com
*@yufz.com
*@zadarma.com
*@zadonsk.net
*@zelmira.cn
*@zenmerica.org
*@zeos.net
*@zinzaza.com
*@znahov.org
*@zone-freestuff.com
*@zoomerart.net
*@zqvb.com
*@zxc1.org
*@zyll.net

jande · 21 Feb 2011, 10:03

markfiend wrote:There are quite a few email providers who have been infested with spambots so we had to ban.

Full list of banned domains:
*@*.biz
*@*.by...
bloody great long list
...*@zxc1.org
*@zyll.net

Your names down, you're not getting in

Sita · 22 Feb 2011, 12:44

Well as even my old email provider is on that list, I'm glad I found a time slot to get in

Thanks for replying markfiend!

Mothra · 22 Feb 2011, 19:30

Interesting. I have an fsmail address at home. What exactly (and in layman's terms!) is a Spambot? I get a ton of junk mail on that account, I'm trying to phase it out, but I can never remember everything that is actually sent to it.

Sita · 23 Feb 2011, 11:50

I could be mistaken but I think it's when someone's computer is infected with some certain Trojans. Then, in the background, your computer sends out tons of data. So your trusty computer is a "spambot" then. You won't even notice, or maybe only that your computer is a bit slow or weird at times. It's used for distributing stuff.

23 Feb 2011, 12:03

that's part of it.

in our case, rather than infected computers sending out emails we get automated registrations, with the intent of posting links to various "performance enhancing" drugs, knock-off sportswear, etc

like most forums, heartland registrations require confirmation via email, so these spammers find free email services like gmail etc and sign up for them first in order to get a valid email address

most of this is automated (this process of automating signups is known as "scripting"), and some free email services are not as secure as others and it can be quite easy to script the signup process

recently most spammers we have had on here have used gmail addresses - it would seem that gmail's signup process is easy to script

when we ban email addreses, (i think) it only affects new users trying to register for HL with one of those addresses. existing members who have a gmail account (for example) should be ok... unless they try to change the address on their account, in which case they'll get the same "address banned" message as a new user. in this case i am happy to allow the one-off use of email addresses/domains that are otherwise banned because we know that the person wanting to use it is a real person and a valid HL member

hope that helps explain it a little

Sita · 23 Feb 2011, 12:32

It does

thanks!

Mothra · 26 Feb 2011, 11:08

Yeah - cheers. No real need to change mine, other than PM notifications which I can pick up on here anyway.

Nice to know that I'm not the persona non grata I thought I might be anyway