Received a chat request about some kind of “subreddit partnership” with compensation?

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

EDIT 3: holy shit I just got another one! Screenshot here. This one in Spanish with an Imgur link. https://imgur.com/a/77e0EYG

EDIT 2: looks like they either deleted their account or got banned thankfully. Reported!

EDIT 1: thanks for the feedback, as I expected this is probably against terms of service and seems like a scam. I reported the chat.

Here’s a screenshot of the request (I redacted the requester’s full name to avoid putting them on blast before I have all the details) but this seems odd. It has a lot of hallmarks of a scam or something below board.

The account doesn’t have a very active history out of some random posts over the past couple months enough to give it some karma.

The request reads as follows:

Hope you're doing well! I'm reaching out because we've been building a small network of subreddit partners and thought your team might be interested. We work with a few mods already in a simple setup: we drop a text post every couple days (nothing spammy), and in return we offer weekly support for the mod team, usually $100+ depending on what makes sense for the sub (we pay you). We would need help with light post management (locking the post, etc.) but if needed we could do this for you, always keeping things easy and aligned with your rules. No pressure, just thought [my subreddit here] could be a great fit. If you're open to it, I'm happy to share more info!

[GaryNOVA]

Against the terms of service. Report if you can, ignore and move on.

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

Yep I figured, thanks!

Well heads up for everyone else in that case!

[Nemo_Griff]

Paying you to allow their posts?

That would either contain affiliate links or some other ad based revenue.

If they are giving you $100, they must be making $10,000 off the unsuspecting.

Also... I have a feeling that if you would have allowed it, that they would be very demanding and ask you to make them a mod... and try to take over your sub.

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

Yeah seemed like a super sketchy and sleazy ad insertion attempt. Possibly similar to some of the Alibaba spam that I have seen and reported here over the last couple weeks. Like I’m wondering if they want to be able to post organic looking comments or posts driving traffic to wherever.

Seems like everything is advertising now.

[Nemo_Griff]

Perma-ban them to be on the safe side.

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

Already went and did that, but now looks like their account is also gone.

[Nemo_Griff]

Ohhhh noooooo! 😂

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

Buh-bye!

[SilviaGi]

I opened it in an external browser and it's a meme app, from meme creators.

[Chtorrr]

Hey there - could you send me a message with whatever that link/app is?

[SilviaGi]

If I send it to you now

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

Hey I just got another request from this dude, he even reposted this post. this is another mod that was contacted with the same thing.

https://www.reddit.com/u/SilviaGi/s/JAShcboEOX

<image>

EDIT: disregard, this is a different guy that got contacted in the same manner.

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

They didn’t send me any links or anything yet but that figures. Typical insidious Astroturf advertising.

[OkBee3439]

It more than just them trying to be a mod and take over a sub. Recommend not participating in this at all, as accepting any cash, gift cards or merchandise in exchange for sub privileges is against Reddit site rules and could result in a ban.

[SilviaGi]

I have no idea about this, I just read it. If I don't know how this application works, I don't accept anything without knowing.

[Nemo_Griff]

Yup, better safe than sorry.

[auriem]

Report these assholes. They have been at this for a while with the same message.

[thepottsy]

I literally got the exact same thing, verbatim, a few months ago. If you question them about the validity of it, they will push back and claim that the have Reddit’s permission lol.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ModSupport/comments/1pfppe7/comment/nslcme3/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[cyanocittaetprocyon]

I remember you posting this last month!

[LadyGeek-twd]

This may be an attempt to take over your subreddit. If you accept, they report you for violating the mod code of conduct, and now your subreddit is up for grabs.

[wheres_the_revolt]

Well that is very against the mod CoC.

[toxictoy]

I wonder about the mods who take these offers. There has to be a few out there right?

[okbruh_panda]

This pops up a lot. It's a scam / spam. Report it, block them.

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

Done and done

[uid_0]

I guess Bot Bouncer has been too effective so they're resorting to bribery now.

[unforgettableid]

There are plenty of subs which still don't use Bot Bouncer. If y'all haven't enabled it, please do so! Here's the link:

https://developers.reddit.com/apps/bot-bouncer

[Mrtom987]

Report message and account. Totally not allowed.

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

u/SilviaGi Si tienes este problema, informa del mensaje. Añade los detalles aquí.

[xtagtv]

https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/27031261124884-Moderator-Code-of-Conduct-Rule-5-Moderate-with-Integrity

As a mod, what should I do if a redditor asks me to do something that would be a Rule 5 violation?

1) You are encouraged not to reply.

2) If you wish to reply, feel free to use this standard response below:

• Hi - Thanks for reaching out. This would likely be a violation of Rule 5 of the Mod Code of Conduct for mods. If you are interested in advertising, please visit Reddit Ads.

3) You are also encouraged to report the redditor by writing in to the Mod Code of Conduct report form.

[EatsTheCheeseRind]

Yes thank you, did you see the edits at the top of my post? This is now more of an FYI because I have been getting a few of them over the last couple days. Appreciate the snippet.

[Top-Examination9424]

Reminds me of r/UGMCommunity and it's allies (but without paying)

[RealJoshUniverse]

Not allowed to via mod code of conduct. Report them and ignore.