Good afternoon,

What should be done about shameless spam?

I'm referring not to regular spam, as it is clear that it either gets filtered out or it doesn't. But there is one specific spammer ("mayboroda_aleks") who has been sending almost identical emails every day for the past six months (see the image). A Google search reveals their Skype account, where other users have reported the same issue and requested that this Skype account be blocked.

What's particularly interesting is that there is no attempt to conceal the spam; it originates from virtual machines provided by Selectel. I've reached out to the abuse department of the provider, and the responses I receive are along the lines of "thank you, we will address this with the client." Unfortunately, RIPE (Réseaux IP Européens) does not have the authority to take action against such behaviors.

Finding a technical solution is not an issue; I can implement an IP-based filter. However, I would like to demonstrate some administrative influence.

Do you have any ideas?

Dealing with shameless spam can be a frustrating and challenging task. In this case, it seems like you have already taken steps to report the issue to the abuse department of the provider. While that is a good starting point, if the issue persists, you can consider some additional actions:

1. Contact the email service provider: If the spam emails are being sent through a specific email service, you can reach out to their support team and provide them with evidence of the spamming activity. They may take action against the user's account or help you in blocking future spam emails.

2. Report to relevant authorities: If the spammer continues to harass you despite your efforts, you can report the issue to your local law enforcement agency. They may be able to investigate the matter further and take appropriate action.

3. Share information with others: You mentioned that other users have reported the same issue on the spammer's Skype account. You can collaborate with these users and collectively put pressure on Skype to block the spammer's account. Sharing information about the spammer's activities on public forums or online communities can also raise awareness and encourage others to take action.

4. Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about the latest spamming techniques and educate yourself on how to protect against them. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues to help them avoid falling victim to spam or phishing attempts.

Remember, combating spam requires persistence and collaboration. While administrative influence may not always yield immediate results, by taking these steps, you can contribute to raising awareness about the issue and potentially minimize the spammer's impact.

There exists a complaint form available for reporting unsanctioned advertising present on public services.

Certainly, one can "shed light" on the situation by reporting to the appropriate authorities, such as conducting a control purchase... How prevalent is illegal entrepreneurship and violation of the Federal Tax Code currently?

With a sense of frustration, one may attempt to drag the wrongdoer before the law, under the pretense of "acting collectively with prior agreement"... It is foreseeable that, generally speaking, the provider will find a way to dispose of an inconvenient client at the slightest indication of official involvement. After all, any business venture should yield profit, and the meager gains from a spammer would hardly justify the expenses incurred by legal professionals in responding to authorities.

Taking action against such practices is crucial for maintaining the integrity of these platforms and protecting users' interests. However, it is important to recognize the practical challenges involved in addressing these issues, as they require a delicate balance between enforcement and cost-effectiveness.

If you plan on launching your own mailing service, it's important to familiarize yourself with configuring spam filters. Blocking IP addresses alone is a limited approach, and it may frustrate your users.

However, simply blocking spammers won't solve the problem entirely—unless they are breaking the law, their actions might not be of much concern. In Russia, holding a license is necessary to engage in meaningful discussions with mail providers.

Trying to combat every single spammer will undoubtedly lead to immense frustration and stress. It's essential to prioritize and find effective ways to manage them.

Maintaining an updated spam reporting process is crucial. Ensure that you report the spam to all major email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo. They usually have their mechanisms to prevent such spammers from reaching their platforms. By reporting consistently, you can build a case over time that shows this is not an isolated incident.

Second, consider requesting a more formal escalation with Selectel. If their abuse department is not taking serious actions, ask to speak with a manager or someone in a higher-up position. Gather all your evidence, including the number of complaints, screenshots, and logs. It's essential to provide a comprehensive overview of the problem to facilitate their understanding of the seriousness of the issue.

Third, think about creating a public post on relevant forums or social platforms, outlining your experience with this spammer. This could potentially warn others about the spammer's activities and gain support from users who might have faced similar issues. Sometimes, public pressure can lead to faster actions from service providers.

Fourth, utilize technology to its fullest extent. Implement that IP-based filter you mentioned, but go a step further by monitoring the traffic. If you can establish patterns or pinpoint particular peak times for when the spam is sent, you could tailor your filtering methods even more.

Fifth, look into partnering with anti-spam organizations. Organizations like Spamhaus and others devote their efforts to combating pervasive spam. They might be able to take additional actions to block the offending sender.

Finally, keep yourself involved in the community by depositing your findings and raising awareness. Engaging in discussions about spam prevention can also attract attention from others who might have faced similar issues, creating a network of supportive users.

While it may feel daunting, persistence is key. Don't hesitate to keep pressure on all fronts, and hopefully, together we can lead to some meaningful changes in how providers deal with shameless spammers like "mayboroda_aleks".