I Created the Perfect Spammer Trap and Didn’t Even Know It
One article to catch them all
A few years ago when I first started writing seriously online, I published an article about cheating.
In the years, since, this article has attracted more spammers than any other article I’ve ever written online (52). I just got a notification of a new spammer caught in the digital web this morning.
What is this ultimate spam trap, what does it all mean, and how can you trap some spammers yourself? Keep reading to find out.
Setting the spammer trap
A few years ago back on Apr 17, 2021, I published an article about 5 Super Sneaky Ways To Catch a Cheater. Apparently (and unknowingly), the subtitle to spammers was: “Please comment here!”
Looking back at my stats I’ve made a grand total of $37 from that article since it was published. But the real value is priceless.
Check out these screenshots:
Don’t hire hackers, people. Don’t do it.
Not even if they go by the name Pro Wizard. In fact, definitively don’t do it then.
Even back then I realized something was different about this article than the others. I didn’t know it but I’d unintentionally created the ultimate spammer trap.
SNAP! We got a live one
Over the years, I’ve received so many comments like the ones in those screenshots. 52 to be exact. Yes, 100% of the comments on that article are from spammers and scammers.
Check out the screenshots and you'll notice a pattern.
For one, all the comments are several paragraphs long or one long, nearly endless paragraph. There’s almost always a personal story, probably made up, but a story nevertheless.
Somewhere in the middle or near the end of the long comment. The commenter sings the praises of some person or program that helps them catch the cheating partner.
Sometimes they even include a phone number or way to get in touch with this other person or program.
It’s clearly a spammer trying to sell something or the start of a digital con job. bent on taking your money.
Why spammer traps are important
Spammer trap articles serve a triad of purposes, all of which contribute to a cleaner and more authentic online environment.
Here’s why these traps are helpful and important:
- Concentration of spam — By drawing spam to a specific location, it keeps other articles and forums clean. Readers interested in a genuine discussion can engage without wading through irrelevant or deceptive comments.
- Awareness and education — These articles can be used to educate the public about the prevalence and nature of online scams. By exposing the tactics of spammers, readers become more savvy and less likely to fall prey to scams.
- Data collection — Trap articles provide a wealth of data for those studying spam trends. Patterns can be identified and used to develop better spam filters and detection algorithms.
Here is a simple list of the advantages:
- Filters spam from genuine content
- Protects unsuspecting users from scams
- Educates readers on spam recognition
- Assists in improving anti-spam measures
- Provides data for research and analysis
These articles become important tools in the ongoing battle against online spam, turning the tables on spammers by using their own tactics against them to improve user experience and knowledge.
How to create a spammer trap article
That’s all good and dandy but how do you actually create one of these spammer traps?
Here’s a step-by-step guide for writers looking to create their own spam traps.
- Identify tempting topics — Start by pinpointing topics that are hotbeds for spam activity. Subjects that tend to attract spammers include controversial issues, emotional pain points like infidelity, or promises of easy money and quick fixes. Choose a topic that seems to generate a lot of unsolicited advice and too-good-to-be-true testimonials.
- Craft an inviting title — Your article’s title should be an irresistible lure for spammers. It should imply that readers could find under-the-table solutions or secrets within your article. Titles like “Uncover Hidden Truths” or “Guaranteed Ways to Beat the System” work like magnets for spam.
- Develop a keyword strategy — Spammers search for keywords that align with their target audience. Incorporate popular, relevant keywords throughout your article. Research SEO trends to understand which terms are most likely to attract spam.
- Provide a platform for engagement — Encourage readers to share their thoughts and stories by ending your article with an open-ended question or a call to action. Spammers look for engagement opportunities, and comments are their preferred battlefield.
- Monitor and analyze — After publishing, monitor the comments closely. Not only will this help in identifying the most common spam, but it will also give you insights into spammer behavior and tactics.
- Create a collection point — Once your article begins to attract spam, use it as a collection point. You can create a designated email or contact form within the article for further “inquiries.” This method separates the spam from genuine interaction on your other content.
- Update regularly — Keep the article fresh by occasionally updating it with new information or tweaks. I didn’t do this with my article but it’s a good idea. It ensures that the article trap stays in circulation and continues to attract spam, which often targets new or recently updated content.
- Protect your readers — Within the article, subtly educate your readers about the presence of spam in the comments. This not only helps in reducing the chances of someone falling for a scam but also boosts your credibility. If you’re thinking this will keep spammers away, consider that most spammers don’t actually read the content. They just post spam and run.
- Use it as a research tool — Utilize the collected data to understand spam patterns and possibly even publish your findings on spam trends, contributing to the larger online community’s knowledge. Alert the platform of spammers.
Final thoughts
I hope you will join the “spammer trap” community by creating content that draws in spammers and scammers from far and wide.
Thanks for reading!
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