Spam Messages Claiming to be from Zazzle Support!

[Cat]

Well, here's a new one. I got a chat message from someone claiming to be from Zazzle Support. From the message it was obvious that it was bogus, so I reported and blocked it, but it did concern me. I can see a more savvy spammer convincing some unwitting designer that they're communicating with Zazzle Support, and my mind is sort of reeling thinking of what could happen from there!

I'm wondering if there's some way that Zazzle employees could be identified when they send chat messages - like maybe the chat system could authenticate Zazzle employees with some sort of a badge or something that could not be faked by a spammer. Just a thought... in any case, if you get a message from someone claiming to be from Zazzle support, I'd advise you to proceed with extreme caution!

[SJoy]

I just received one as well. Here is a screenshot of the message.  I know it was not legit right off the bat.  I reported it. This is getting way past ridiculous now.  Everyone needs to be on their toes.  The spammers are getting worse.

[Cat]

Exact same message that I got. I agree, it's getting much worse. Posing as Zazzle Support does take it to a new level though. Be careful folks!

[SJoy]

I wonder if they create an account and go straight to the forums to pick out from there who they want to send these to.

[Cat]

I dunno. They clearly missed the mark on this one by identifying the two of us as designers without many sales. But if a newbie got this message - especially someone who didn't speak English as a first language, I could easily see them falling for it.

[WHS_Designs]

smh

[Susang6]

I have gotten this message like this at Z and FB and thought it was spam, blocked and deleted the message.  

[Pixelan]

It's very annoying, they'll try and say anything in order to get peoples money. 

A special badge or a ✅next to an official employee name in chat, like you mentioned sounds like a good idea. Maybe also even a 🌿 fresh new leaf or something next to people who just signed up as a new member a few days ago or who never bought something, to give some indication to be cautious.

[Cat]

I like the leaf idea... although, since most of my customers are buying things for their weddings, they're often new to Zazzle, so I'm betting most of the folks who ask me questions would fall into that category.

[CrazyMermaid]

I agree with @Cat, Almost 100% of my messages are customers who are new to Zazzle and need help. So I would not find this helpful. This message is obviously spam at first glance. We all have to deal with spam from annoying phone calls to junk email. I don't see how Zazzle will be any different. 

[James]

Thanks for reporting this, Cat and others. We of course have noticed that there are menacing people sending chats like these, and now seem to be claiming to be Z Support. We are in the process of addressing this but please know, we will rarely reach out to you via chat for official Z-related business. I think you all know that but just wanted to confirm. You are all aware of the Mods, Scott, and myself. Generally, these are the only people who might reach out and it will generally be in regard to a post in here. Our accounts are identifiable, hopefully. 

If you ever have doubts, please let one of us know and we will be happy to confirm. I'm sure it goes without saying, please don't ever share information with these users or click on the links, as they could lead you to a hazardous place.  Thank you for your patience while we try to address this. 

[samack]

Hi James,

I received the following message in chat.  It appears they may have an account that says Zazzle Support or they have an image with "Zazzle Support".  Just thought you would like to look into this.

Thanks,  Sandra  

[Scott]

Thanks for letting us know.

[Caprice]

Great idea!  Spam messages in CHAT are getting crazy.  Just got another one today.