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[theoldwhisky]

How to Spot Scam/Bot Inbox Messages on Tumblr: A Quick Guide

Recently, there has been an increase in fake accounts on Tumblr that are sending out suspicious inbox messages. Here’s how to identify these scam accounts and avoid falling victim to them:

1. Newly Created Account: If the account messaging you was just created, it is a significant red flag. Scammers and bots often set up new accounts. Check the creation date—recently created profiles with dubious inbox messages are usually not trustworthy.

2. Repetitive, Targeted, or Pushy Posts: Some scam accounts do create their own posts, but these tend to be very targeted and misleading. You'll notice a lot of crowdfunding links or "journals" that seem off, typically written in a way that feels robotic or overly polished. These posts are often pushy and designed to manipulate you, and the content tends to repeat with little variation. If a new account is posting only this type of content, be cautious.

3. Unusual Profile Pictures: Scam accounts often use profile pictures that do not align with Tumblr’s aesthetic. They may appear overly polished, generic, or resemble images typically found on Facebook—making them feel out of place and suspicious.

4. Oddly Written Bios: While unusual usernames are common on Tumblr, be wary of bios that come across as awkward or overly formal. Scammer bios often sound artificial or as if they have been generated by an AI, lacking the natural flow or charm of a genuine user. There is a distinct difference between a person making typical grammatical mistakes and a robotic, stiff bio that does not seem truly human.

5. All Posts and Reblogs Made in One Day: If the account contains only reblogs or posts made within a short time frame—suggesting they were bulk-uploaded in one day—this is a warning sign. Bots frequently dump content quickly to appear legitimate.

6. Inconsistent or Generic Content: Tumblr thrives on niche interests and communities. Scam accounts often post random and inconsistent content that does not fit any specific theme or interest. The content may feel disjointed and generic, as if it is trying to appeal to everyone without conveying anything personal.

7. Suspicious Inbox Messages: Bots often send inbox messages that seem out of place—overly friendly, soliciting donations, or urging you to click on links. If the message feels impersonal, disconnected from any prior interaction, or excessively eager to get you to visit an external site, it is likely a scam.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message:

- Don’t engage. Ignoring them is your best option. Even responding can lead to more spam or scams.

- Block and report. Utilize Tumblr’s tools to block the account and report it as spam.

If anyone has stuff to add to this small list or more specific examples PLEASE REBLOG OR COMMENT WITH YOUR INPUT!