Feedback wanted urgently: Phone verification

[sleepy]

We are getting an increasing amount of real human spammers trying to post messages here on the forum. We can deal with the automated computer spam, we can deal with the human spammers from far off countries, but when the spam is originating from some spam agency based in the UK it is incredibly difficult to filter out.

So the options:

a) We can manually approve all new registrations, moderate a members first 20 or so posts and limit use of the PM system until they are a 'full' member.
We're really reluctant to go down this route because it takes an insane amount of time and it is extremely frustrating for new members.

b) We can install a system that requires you to enter a mobile number when you register. You are then immediately texted a 4 digit code which you type in. Your account is then verified and you immediately have full privileges.

This is what Gmail etc and some other forums are now doing and the feedback is it works really well. We can't really see any downside to it, but, your feedback would be appreciated. Please note this would not affect existing users, and there would be a system to bypass the process if you really didn't want to verify via phone (but it would take longer obviously).

Seems simple enough. Keeps the rubbish out. Do it.

 

[Bob c]

hello
plan B google GMAIL use`s your mobile phone number to recover lost pass words as well

 

[DRC]

And @Clive check your spelling out in the title,bad spelling normally is spam

There must be lots of spam on here then.

 

[mushroom]

so will existing members have to enter their mobile number or is it just for new members?

 

[Clive]

so will existing members have to enter their mobile number or is it just for new members?

Just for new sign ups - no changes for existing members

 

[B&B Pig Man]

so will existing members have to enter their mobile number or is it just for new members?

Just new ones - as part of the registration process.

 

[Bill]

Seems B is the way to go-but you're the experts

 

[mushroom]

Just new ones - as part of the registration process.

oh that's good because the only place i get a phone signal where i live is on ma head in a field with my left big toe in my ear.

 

[Pilatus]

Do what you think is best for security. I hope MDT is not refering to MY " Kitchens quality thread it is perfectly genuine.

 

[RushesToo]

Think it is very reasonable and you should do it. Moderators time should be valued and weeding out noise can't be productive. I back asking for mobile phone verification.

 

[wobs]

Do whatever's needed to keep this place going as it is i say.
You lot have enough to contend with.

 

[Flossie]

I have noticed recently on the home phone/landline, which i rarely answer now, many of the cold callers which are just spammers, are using mobile numbers to contact, most annoying but i always google a number and 99% are linked to PiP and ambulance chasing solicitors

+1 The sods have caught me out a time or two Never answer a withheld or no number call but they've started showing the number. I held on to talk to the last one and told him to remove my details, and how he'd caught me out by his number. The fecker said "oh good, it's working then"

 

[wobs]

Got 2 i
Indian feckers today.
our phone has caller ID,so if it's a dodgy you hear the clicking then blow a whistle straight through the mouthpiece.not sure if it's legal but hey ho it works a treat and you feel better.
best £3.50 ever just keep it by the phone.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acme-Tornad...8&qid=1365633105&sr=8-1&keywords=loud+whistle

 

[wobs]

scares the shite out the wife also lol.

 

[Jon Feetham]

Plan B sounds ok to me, go for it.

 

[Clive]

Got 2 i
Indian feckers today.
our phone has caller ID,so if it's a dodgy you hear the clicking then blow a whistle straight through the mouthpiece.not sure if it's legal but hey ho it works a treat and you feel better.
best £3.50 ever just keep it by the phone.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acme-Tornad...8&qid=1365633105&sr=8-1&keywords=loud+whistle

That's ace ! I'm off to buy a fog horn !!

 

[IANTO]

That's ace ! I'm off to buy a fog horn !!

I would be cautious, I am fairly certain there has been at least one Court Case, where it was treated as Criminal Assault.

 

[wobs]

I'm very cautious also,once they speak it pays to mumble a bit so they cant quite hear you.they automatically respond to the mumble and close in on their earpiece.
Once you blow the whistle they can't hear feck all.
They rang you unwarranted even with your TPS registration,they are in the wrong not you.
end of the day you were hosting a kids party the day of the call.
simples really.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Option B please Clive. Sounds very sensible.

 

[Mdt]

Do what you think is best for security. I hope MDT is not refering to MY " Kitchens quality thread it is perfectly genuine.

Mx7 no its not your thread ;-) there was a couple of threads started by kitchens in oldham and and somewhere else.

 

[llamedos]

Re the whistle; this is how I was advised by BT many years ago to deal with a pervert caller.
And the kitchens! didnt see that before it was removed, but was it this chap http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ews/boss-in-vance-miller-kitchens-case-890168