We are getting a lot of manual SPAM from new members targeting other members with explicit PMs.

In XenForo we could define "spam phrases" which would automatically put PMs/posts into moderation or reject them automatically:

https://xenforo.com/xf1-docs/manual/spam/#content

Quote

A spammer may manage to bypass the automated registration checks and successfully register. A second line of defense can be added to prevent them from submitting their spam content. These options are found in the Spam Management option group.

• Spam phrases can be defined. If any of a user's first few messages matches theses phrases, an action can be taken. For example, some spammers submit messages with "watch film name online". We can match that with "watch * online" and simply block the message.
• For more dynamic content matching, Akismet can be checked. This is a service that uses heuristics to determine if the submitted content is spam. If Akismet thinks the content is spam, the content will be placed into your forum's moderation queue and you will need to manually approve (or delete) the message before it is displayed to normal visitors.

Is there something similar in IPS?

Edited December 21, 20186 yr by Optic14

When you set up badword filters (AdminCP > System > Settings > Posting > Word Filters tab), you can choose to replace text, or hold it for moderator approval.

It would be very nice if the word filter also allowed regular expressions.

Hi everyone,

Unfortunately we have a harasser that is bypassing the filter by putting a period (full stops) in-between the vulgar words.

This is really stressing our staff and members out as members are getting harassed via the PM system.

Is there a solution or do we need to keep adding manual variations in the word filter?

Example below (warning, vulgar language):

c.um in your slu.t vagin.a 

Edited January 12, 20196 yr by Optic14

1 hour ago, Optic14 said:

Is there a solution or do we need to keep adding manual variations in the word filter?

Adding manual variations would be an endless job.

Warning then banning is the solution.

Hi @Misi we ban but then they just re-register with a new IP (via a proxy) and new email (disposable email)

17 minutes ago, Optic14 said:

Hi @Misi we ban but then they just re-register with a new IP (via a proxy) and new email (disposable email)

Can you moderate their first 5 posts?

Let them use the PM system only after that.

Yes, you're dealing with a "troll" and sadly, if they're determined then they can harass you and your staff. Misi's suggestions are the best option.