Methods to circumvent fake ads !
Many might have noticed that there are plenty of fake ads in Qatar living with offers too delectable to let it pass. Even though many might know it is fake,we are left with the feeling what if this is true.
Few days ago there was an ad about a Prado for sale for QAR 30,000. This guy claims to be living in U.K. currently at working for the U.N and apparently had a doctorate. He wanted proof that we will pay up money and asked me to send proof of money sent by western union. I checked his I.P., he has cleverly masked his actual I.P and showed up as a private I.P usually found in home networking.And would not give out his phone number. Though I was prudent enough not to be fooled by this guy, the thought that "WHAT IF HE WAS FOR REAL"? is bewildering !!
While a 100% crime proof classified section is not possible, it is possible for Qatar Living to take steps to minimize such posts.
1) Require member's mobile phone to create IDs. One ID per mobile.
2) While creating an account, send out an SMS with a passcode to register.
3) Lost passwords can be sent to email or phone
4) Create validation rules that match with phone number format of Qatar. i.e Phone number [63~57~98~6 (read with out tilde)] should be triggered incorrect.
5) To save costs and to allow Non Qatar residents in asking questions, QL may make it mandatory only for members posting an advertisement.
The above methods (1-4) will ensure that only people living in Qatar will be members.
This leads to another problem where 'Would be' residents cannot ask help or ask questions in the forum
To avoid this, we can either make use of step 5 where anyone can be a member but to post an advertisement, he has have codes sent out to his Qatar mobile
(OR)
People not residents of Qatar as yet or who do not have a mobile phone be assigned a special memberships with limited features including disability to post an advertisement along with other things that can hamper with security.
The above methods if followed in systemic way will definitely help people and QL in the long run. Even if a resident is abroad his incoming SMS will give his codes, so even if a person actually goes abroad, he can sell his items !
While there is a cost attached to this, security is something Qatar Living should not compromise for it's members.
And the cost will payback for itself as Qatar Living's credibility will increase exponentially.
Thanks for reading and I welcome you comments
Here is my facebook profile : http://www.facebook.com/lvf1dipu
Thanks for requesting to add !!
There is definitely a cost attached to this - But in business credibility is more important than this. If people visiting QL starts doubting the authenticity of the posts in the site, the real users will dwindle. They wouldn't want that would they ??
Porting this to the new system also would be a problem and perhaps even time consuming
I agree, something has to be made to solve the problem
WTH is happening in QL??
Regards!!
Good suggestion...
but why is OP account deleted for giving suggestions?? MODS you need to grow up!!
Very good suggestion.
i would say.
These should be passed to site admin/owners as per my understanding as they are the one who can implement these proposals. Not mods
looking to hear from the Mods/Admins on these suggestions.
Hope some of them (if not all) are considered and implemented.
Regards!!!
Good post! Like! =^)
Prams and fake adds.
In addition to Classifieds, please suggest some thing to even Inbox PM's. We get so many messages, i saw your profile,I am interested in you,add me in yahoo etc etc.
Suggest some thing for this also