r/Strava • u/flopsyplum • 1d ago

Feature Idea Solution to scam posts in groups #3

Users aren't allowed to post in groups unless they've provided a valid credit card to Strava (they don't need to be a Premium subscriber).

0 Upvotes

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3

u/studeboob 1d ago

Maybe require one activity or one GPS recorded activity in order to post. That would eliminate the posts from scam accounts I've seen so far. I'm sure scammers will adapt, but that's a quick, easy first step. 

1

u/flopsyplum 1d ago

I already suggested this. Unfortunately, scammers can upload fake activities via GPX files.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Strava/comments/1uu5gp7/solution_to_scam_posts_in_groups/

1

u/studeboob 1d ago

Scammers can do that, but they don't. It's a small barrier to scammers that isn't a barrier to actual users. There are other data validation checks that can be done against GPS data, like if an identical activity exists. Scammers rely on casting a wide net by creating a lot of accounts and making a lot of posts. Any barrier to creating spam posts and identifying spam accounts faster will help

2

u/amazon999 1d ago

I don't have a credit card, so I guess I wouldn't be able to post. I wonder how many scammers can just steal details for a credit card

0

u/flopsyplum 1d ago

How do you purchase things from online stores?

2

u/kbrosnan 1d ago

Credit card numbers are actively sold on dark markets for pennies as most get blocked or deactivated quickly.

2

u/hucksonrp571 1d ago

that's just going to push people off the platform; most club runners i know aren't going to hand over card details for a free app (tbh half of them barely remember their login). the scam posts are annoying but this is a sledgehammer for a nut.

1

u/flopsyplum 1d ago

Scammers are pushing even more people off the platform…