We at AF Association would like to thank all members for reporting the abusive posts that have been appearing lately on the forum. We are working together with HealthUnlocked but sadly, it appears impossible to entirely ban someone from creating new user names. All we are able to do is restrict that user from posting further on the forum.
The best thing to do if you see abusive or rude messages (or those that appear to be bad or dangerous advice) is to ignore them, do not respond, but please click "more" under their comment, and then the "report" button as shown in the image. This will instantly send the report to us, and we will assess the comments as soon as we are able, and where necessary, take action.
Sorry you have to make a post like this and wish people would just be nice. Luckily the not so nice posts are in the minority and quick action from yourselves.
Thank you to you and all there with you for all you do.
Frances xxx
Thank you for listening!
Is it possible to ban an IP? That would make it slightly more difficult for someone to create new accounts
I agree Bob, I feel for the people that are on the receiving end though. As we know AF can give you some awful anxiety and you really don't need idiots like that spouting false information and rudeness
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Unfortunately Health Unlocked have advised that an IP address cannot be banned. In any case, the person could simply take their laptop or phone to another address (a coffee shop or library) and re-register. Extremely frustrating!
We have the same problem on investor chat boards in the US. Multiple aliases created by one individual or a group of individuals. Totally frustrating to wade through ignorant or malicious posts. The only way to remove these persons, and there is a way, as we discovered, is to start a google group forum that one has to get permission from the admin and has to give all of their personal information. Then it is easy to spot them, the next time they appear.
Health Unlocked has a huge member database and I see that. Some private chat boards have roaming admins to take care of that. A concerted effort that does work.
Unfortunately there is Very little that Admin can do with regards tracing an IP address as these Trolls who frequent these platforms and infest social media are probably using a VPN service which hides a persons IP address allowing them anonymity.
The only way to deal with these individuals is to report any abusive post to admin and starve them of the attention they crave by ignoring them.
Thank you Irene, we are trying our best to keep on top of it. Such a shame. As many of you know, the patient services team at AF Association is very small. We also cover the phones and enquiries for our two sister charities, STARS and Arrhythmia Alliance.
When we are having to log into Health Unlocked to delete and restrict a member, it's taking precious time and resources away from others who need it.
We think this forum, for the most part, runs itself very smoothly, and are hugely grateful for the help of our patient volunteers, and those who help be reporting these trolls. Thank you once again.
Rachel
Just to let you all know that Health Unlocked are aware of the situation and will be searching for posts that are similar to those of the troll, and will deal with them. Sadly it is impossible for them to ban a IP address signing up to HealthUnlocked as an IP address can be easily changed by a user.
All we can do, is keep reporting any repeat offenders, and hope that they will eventually get tired and bored!
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