Community Guidelines & Anti-Spam Policies
Last Updated April 17, 2025
Our Community Promise
At PC Parts, we're committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all users. These guidelines help ensure our community remains a trusted marketplace for PC enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
1. General Community Guidelines
At PC Parts, we expect all community members to:
Acceptable Behavior
- Be respectful and courteous to other users
- Provide accurate information in listings and communications
- Respond to inquiries in a timely manner
- Report suspicious or inappropriate behavior
- Protect your personal information
- Follow through on commitments made in transactions
Prohibited Behavior
- Harassment, hate speech, or discriminatory content
- Misleading or fraudulent listings
- Spamming or flooding communication channels
- Using multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
- Distributing malware or phishing content
- Using bots or automated systems
2. Messaging & Communication Policy
Message Content Guidelines
To maintain a safe community, the following are not permitted in messages:
- Links and URLs - External links are not permitted to prevent phishing and scams
- Alternative contact methods - Do not share phone numbers, email addresses, or social media profiles
- Payment information - Never share bank details, credit card information, or payment app usernames
- Personal identifying information - Avoid sharing your full address, ID numbers, or other sensitive data
- Automated messages - Mass copied/pasted messages are flagged as spam
- Offensive content - Harassment, threats, or abusive language is strictly prohibited
Rate Limiting
To prevent spam and protect our messaging system:
- A maximum of 5 messages can be sent per minute
- Exceeding rate limits may trigger temporary restrictions
- Repeated violations result in progressively longer blocks:
- First few violations: Warning only
- 3 violations: 5-minute messaging restriction
- 4 violations: 15-minute messaging restriction
- 5 violations: 1-hour messaging restriction
- 6+ violations: 24-hour messaging restriction
3. Anti-Spam Measures
PC Parts employs several anti-spam measures to keep our platform safe and functional:
Automated Content Filtering
Our system automatically detects and filters:
- External links and URLs
- Known spam phrases and patterns
- Excessive repetition of content
- Personal identifying information
- Contact information in initial messages
Rate Limiting & Throttling
We limit the frequency of certain actions:
- Message sending (5 per minute maximum)
- New conversation initiation (10 per hour)
- Listing creation (20 per day)
- Account registration (1 per IP address per day)
- Login attempts (5 failed attempts triggers temporary lockout)
User Verification Requirements
To ensure genuine users on our platform:
- Email verification required for all accounts
- Phone verification for messaging functionality
- CAPTCHA challenges for suspicious activity patterns
- Additional verification may be required after suspicious activity
Behavioral Analysis
Our system monitors for suspicious patterns:
- Unusual activity timing or frequency
- Identical messages sent to multiple users
- Abnormal browsing or interaction patterns
- Excessive page requests or API calls
- IP address reputation and history
4. Listing Content Guidelines
All listings on PC Parts must adhere to these guidelines:
Required Information
- Clear, accurate title describing the item
- Honest description of condition and functionality
- Accurate technical specifications
- Clear pricing information
- Original photos of the actual item (not stock photos)
Prohibited Listings
- Counterfeit or stolen merchandise
- Items violating intellectual property rights
- Non-PC related items
- Prohibited or restricted hardware
- Services instead of physical items
- Multiple listings for the same item
5. Bot Prevention Policy
PC Parts employs several measures to detect and prevent automated bot activity:
Bot Detection Measures
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CAPTCHA Challenges
CAPTCHAs may be triggered by: rapid page visits, multiple failed login attempts, suspicious traffic patterns, or when creating listings.
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Behavioral Analysis
Our system analyzes user behavior such as mouse movements, typing patterns, and interaction timing to distinguish between humans and bots.
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Request Rate Limiting
Excessive requests from a single IP address or account will trigger temporary restrictions.
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Browser Fingerprinting
We may use browser fingerprinting techniques to identify suspicious patterns across multiple accounts.
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Multi-factor Authentication
Additional verification may be required for accounts showing bot-like behavior.
6. Enforcement & Penalties
We take violations of our community guidelines seriously. Enforcement actions may include:
| Violation Level | Examples | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Minor |
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| Moderate |
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| Severe |
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7. Reporting Violations
We rely on our community to help maintain a safe environment. If you encounter any violations of these guidelines, please report them immediately:
How to Report
- Click the "Report" button on any message, listing, or user profile
- Select the appropriate violation category
- Provide details about the violation
- Submit any evidence (screenshots, etc.) if applicable
- Submit the report for review
What Happens Next
- Our moderation team reviews all reports within 24 hours
- Additional information may be requested if needed
- Appropriate action will be taken based on our guidelines
- You may be notified about the outcome of your report
- Your identity as the reporter remains confidential