Lately, human spammers and automated "spambots" have been signing up and getting accounts on Leatherworker.net. Sometimes, they wait before posting some topic or reply that includes a spam link. Other times, they contact members via our Messages or email system with fake offers to sell items that you may be looking to buy. In either case, if you come across an apparent spam or scam post, or private message, please notify the Moderators. You can do this by using the Report button on the top-right of each page of forum content. Include a link to the post in question so we can go directly to it and take the appropriate action.
Note, that some new members may have a different way of phrasing sentences that you are used to seeing. Improper diction and spelling is a sign of possible spam, but not the deciding factor. Links to non-related websites often is a giveaway, unless it is a well known place.
If you are running a Wanted ad in that section of the forum and somebody you don't already know contacts you via a Private message, or an email, offering to sell that item, or referring you to some third party who has one for sale, those are scams 99.99% of the time! Want ads scammers almost always work in tandem teams. One feeds leads and the other closes the deals. This is the same way Nigerian 419 scammers operate.
We have also seen spam and scams coming from actual members' accounts. Often, those members have been inactive for a long time. Their accounts have been taken over by scammers who somehow obtained the username and password last used by that member. When that happens, we try to contact that member before banning the account. We have helped some compromised accounts regain control and get back to having post and reply privileges. If YOU find yourself in this bind, contact a Moderator to begin the restoration process.