spam / xxx advertising

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  meetookids · Member · Jun 6, 2013 at 6:25 am

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  A reader has just emailed me some spam they saw that the bottom of a post of mine. I cant see it when I look at the site but my reader very kindly took a screen shot so that I could see what they saw – it was truly horrifying and pornographic – considering my site is a kids site this is completely inaceptable. Please how can I ensure this NEVER happens again???????!!!!! Please contact me as this is URGENT. Kate

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  rachelmcr · Member · Jun 7, 2013 at 1:05 am

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  Hi there,

  We do occasionally run ads in order to keep free services free. However, ads of the nature you describe are not permitted in our advertiser’s network.

  I would be happy to take a look at the screenshot that your reader sent you. You can upload the image to your Media Library by going to Media > Add New in your site’s dashboard. Please let me know once you have uploaded the image and I will take a look at it there.

  Please note that it’s possible for ads to appear in your browser (or, in this case, your reader’s browser) that were not placed there by WordPress.com. These ads are sometimes caused by malware or a virus, but more often it is due to a browser extension or toolbar that may have been installed in the browser.

  These sites have further explanation and suggestions for eliminating the ads:
  http://onecoolsitebloggingtips.com/2012/09/14/bloggers-beware-of-adware/
  http://www.littletechiethings.com/2012/06/how-to-remove-ads-not-by-this-site.html
  http://blog.wikimedia.org/2012/05/14/ads-on-wikipedia-your-computer-infected-malware/

  I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions.

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  meetookids · Member · Jun 7, 2013 at 5:09 am

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  Thanks Rachel. I am almost nervous to upload the image – it hurts my eyes.. I will pluck up the courage to open the email and be back in touch.
  Kate

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  rachelmcr · Member · Jun 7, 2013 at 5:32 pm

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  Hi Kate,

  Do let me know if you upload the image — if it is one of our ads, I can use that to follow up on the issue with our advertising team. Because of the nature of the ad and the fact that neither you or I could see it when looking at your site, I am guessing that it was caused by a virus or browser extension on your reader’s computer. However, I will be happy to look into it for you.

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  meetookids · Member · Jun 10, 2013 at 12:01 pm

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  Hi Rachel – I have now uploaded it. It’s called “hideous spam on meetoo”. The person who sent it to me should be reputable (they own a vineyard and are a friend of my parents – I promoted their business via a link so I can’t imagine they would want to send this to me – it also didn’t sound like it was something they expected to see or regularly see. They also mentioned that when they went back to my site a day or so later the image was no longer there). I hope this helps! Thanks for your help with this, Kate.

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  rachelmcr · Member · Jun 10, 2013 at 5:38 pm

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  Hi Kate,

  Thank you for uploading this for us! This ad came from a rogue advertiser that has since been shut down. I apologize for this content appearing on your site, and if you ever see anything like it in the future please let us know again. We take this very seriously and do our best to keep this kind of advertising off WordPress.com.

  If you have any other questions about this, please let me know!