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This is something a little different, and may seem off topic at first; but the information ecosystem is something you should be aware of when making yourself a target to both scammers and law enforcement.
There are multiple strategies available for controlling and manipulating an internet forum, regardless of its content or participants. In this discussion, we will explore each technique and demonstrate how a minimal number of operatives can effectively gain control over a narrative. Think of those carding forums that, at first glance, seem to be legitamate, but turn out to be a big scam trying to lure users with a false sense of security to rip them. Fake vouches and reviews are nothing but a scammer's method of propaganda.
Technique #1 - "FORUM SLIDING"
When a sensitive and critical post appears on a forum, it can be swiftly removed from public view through "forum sliding." This technique involves strategically placing several unrelated posts on the forum and allowing them to age. These diversionary posts can then be utilized to trigger a "forum slide." A combination of real and fake accounts exist to prevent exposure. To initiate a "forum slide" and divert attention from the critical post, one simply needs to log into each account, real and fake, and reply to the prepositioned posts with short, one or two-line comments. As a result, the unrelated posts rise to the top of the forum list, pushing the critical post down the front page and ultimately out of public view.
Technique #2 - "CONSENSUS CRACKING"
Another technique is "consensus cracking." This technique involves creating a fake account and making a seemingly legitimate post that appears to align with the truth. However, the critical aspect is that the post is based on a very weak premise without substantial evidence to support it. Once this is done, alternative fake accounts gradually introduce a strong position in the individual's favor over the course of the post's lifespan. They initially present both sides so that uninformed readers cannot discern which side represents the truth. As more posts and replies are generated, the stronger "evidence" or disinformation in their favor is subtly introduced. Consequently, uninformed readers are likely to adopt the same position as the puppet master. If they hold an opposing view, their opposition to the fake post will likely diminish. However, in cases where forum members possess extensive knowledge and can counter the disinformation with factual evidence and linked posts, the individual will abort the consensus cracking technique by initiating a "forum slide."
Technique #3 - "TOPIC DILUTION"
Topic dilution is not only effective in forum sliding but also serves as a trick for keeping forum readers engaged in unrelated and unproductive discussions. This technique aims to cause "resource burn" by consistently introducing non-related posts that distract and disrupt readers (known as trolling). By diverting the attention of forum readers with continuous and unrelated content, their ability to engage in meaningful research or productive discussions is impeded. If the dilution is intense enough, readers may transition into a state of "gossip mode," where they are easily swayed towards uninformed conjecture and opinion. The less informed the readers are, the more manageable it becomes to direct the entire group towards a desired direction.
Technique #4 - "INFORMATION COLLECTION"
Information collection allows for the assessment of the psychological level of forum members and the gathering of intelligence that can be used against them by rippers and law enforcement. This technique involves initiating a light and positive discussion where forum members are encouraged to share personal preferences or experiences. For example, one could start a thread seeking users in a specific geographic area, which leads to users sacrificing their opsec by voluntarily sharing where they are. By analyzing the replies and gathering statistical information, valuable insights can be gained. This technique can also be used to pose as a forum member and discuss preferred operational techniques. By studying the responses, a case can be made against you.
CONCLUSION
These methods are only effective if they are unknown to the users. This post hopefully sheds some light on manipulative ways that information is used to threaten your money and/or freedom.
There are multiple strategies available for controlling and manipulating an internet forum, regardless of its content or participants. In this discussion, we will explore each technique and demonstrate how a minimal number of operatives can effectively gain control over a narrative. Think of those carding forums that, at first glance, seem to be legitamate, but turn out to be a big scam trying to lure users with a false sense of security to rip them. Fake vouches and reviews are nothing but a scammer's method of propaganda.
Technique #1 - "FORUM SLIDING"
When a sensitive and critical post appears on a forum, it can be swiftly removed from public view through "forum sliding." This technique involves strategically placing several unrelated posts on the forum and allowing them to age. These diversionary posts can then be utilized to trigger a "forum slide." A combination of real and fake accounts exist to prevent exposure. To initiate a "forum slide" and divert attention from the critical post, one simply needs to log into each account, real and fake, and reply to the prepositioned posts with short, one or two-line comments. As a result, the unrelated posts rise to the top of the forum list, pushing the critical post down the front page and ultimately out of public view.
Technique #2 - "CONSENSUS CRACKING"
Another technique is "consensus cracking." This technique involves creating a fake account and making a seemingly legitimate post that appears to align with the truth. However, the critical aspect is that the post is based on a very weak premise without substantial evidence to support it. Once this is done, alternative fake accounts gradually introduce a strong position in the individual's favor over the course of the post's lifespan. They initially present both sides so that uninformed readers cannot discern which side represents the truth. As more posts and replies are generated, the stronger "evidence" or disinformation in their favor is subtly introduced. Consequently, uninformed readers are likely to adopt the same position as the puppet master. If they hold an opposing view, their opposition to the fake post will likely diminish. However, in cases where forum members possess extensive knowledge and can counter the disinformation with factual evidence and linked posts, the individual will abort the consensus cracking technique by initiating a "forum slide."
Technique #3 - "TOPIC DILUTION"
Topic dilution is not only effective in forum sliding but also serves as a trick for keeping forum readers engaged in unrelated and unproductive discussions. This technique aims to cause "resource burn" by consistently introducing non-related posts that distract and disrupt readers (known as trolling). By diverting the attention of forum readers with continuous and unrelated content, their ability to engage in meaningful research or productive discussions is impeded. If the dilution is intense enough, readers may transition into a state of "gossip mode," where they are easily swayed towards uninformed conjecture and opinion. The less informed the readers are, the more manageable it becomes to direct the entire group towards a desired direction.
Technique #4 - "INFORMATION COLLECTION"
Information collection allows for the assessment of the psychological level of forum members and the gathering of intelligence that can be used against them by rippers and law enforcement. This technique involves initiating a light and positive discussion where forum members are encouraged to share personal preferences or experiences. For example, one could start a thread seeking users in a specific geographic area, which leads to users sacrificing their opsec by voluntarily sharing where they are. By analyzing the replies and gathering statistical information, valuable insights can be gained. This technique can also be used to pose as a forum member and discuss preferred operational techniques. By studying the responses, a case can be made against you.
CONCLUSION
These methods are only effective if they are unknown to the users. This post hopefully sheds some light on manipulative ways that information is used to threaten your money and/or freedom.
