We are happy to announce that we have just added another layer of protection to the 4042.com Classifieds. The Problem: ======================= All classifed ad sites on the Internet are plagued with two basic problems: - "Junk" postings that clutter the listings. These are normally found under the Business Opportunity category and tend to be tired old ploys like "USE YOUR COMPUTER TO MAKE THOUSANDS A WEEK TYPING AT HOME!" - Automated "scam" replies to legitimate ads. Scammers use automated software to scan classified sites and send initial replies to ads in hopes that they can eventually rip-off those who reply back to them. Previous Actions: ======================= In the past months, 4042.com has taken the following steps to help alleviate these problems: - Added Image Verification to the POSTING of ads (requires viewing and typing in a number displayed as a graphic before the ad can be posted.) - Added Image Verification to the REPLY to ads form. - Added the IP number of those REPLYING to ads to the notification e-mail sent to the person who posted the ad (Doing a lookup of the IP number can determine if it came from a foreign location.) - Added a warning "be safe" paragraph to every REPLY that is sent to an ad. This includes the instructions to forward any suspected "scam" replies to the Webmaster. - Have actively blocked (with a firewall) the IP number ranges of foreign scam attempts Latest Classifieds Update: ========================== The 4042.com Classifieds serves a very focused geographic area. In other words, we're all about LOCAL!! There really is no reason for a site visitor from ANY foreign location to POST or REPLY to an ad posted here. With that in mind, we have just implemented a GEO-IP filtering system for the Classifieds. This means that anyone attempting to access the 4042.com Classifieds from a foreign IP will be redirected to another page. They will not be able to access the classifieds program. We hope this will further decrease the number of junk ads and the scam attempts. How does it work? In basic terms, when the URL for the 4042.com Classifieds is requested by a site visitor, the GEO-IP system will determine from the IP of that visitor the country of origin. If it's a foreign IP, then they will be redirected to another page, never reaching the classifieds. While it is possible to get around the IP filtering by using a proxy server, we believe this will block many of the undesirables from reaching the classifeds. Please note that the GEO-IP filtering is *only* being applied currently to the 4042.com Classifieds. All other areas of the site can be accessed by anyone from anywhere - so you can still check out the local news, calendar events, and forum postings when you are on vacation outside the country! Our intent is for the 4042.com Classifieds to be the best protected and most secure place you can post your LOCAL items. As with any new system, there is the possibility of a "glitch", so please let us know if you run into any issues when viewing, posting or replying to classified ads. Thank you! Click here for the 4042.com FREE Classifieds!
Classified ads - Confusion Sorry, I just joined as a recommendation from a neighbor, but I don't see the classified except for professional services. My neighbor led me to believe that you guys had a "Craighs List type" format.. Thanks
Look again, click on the classified button at the top of the forums page, there is much more than just professional services. Not exactly Craig's List, but that is a GOOD thing in my opinion. We've bought and sold many items on here from a trampoline to a motorcycle. 8)
