How to Identify Fake Quora Identities

Quora, the popular platform for sharing knowledge and information, is occasionally plagued by fake identities aiming to spread useless content, promote specific individuals, or engage in inappropriate behavior. One notable case involves a self-proclaimed astrologer who uses multiple fake accounts to mimic and copy others’ content. Here’s how to spot these fake identities and what actions Quora takes against them.

Identifying Fake Identities on Quora

Several fake IDs on Quora are created to share low-value content and promote a particular person, often a self-proclaimed astrologer. This individual has a modus operandi that involves splitting entire answers into multiple questions to avoid detection and plagiarism issues. When confronted with the need to link to or directly quote the original content, this person escalates to sharing personal pictures and becomes more aggressive.

Case Study of CopyPasteGyan

One such fake ID, CopyPasteGyan, recently surfaced. This profile not only promotes the same content but also shares the real author's personal pictures without permission. This led to a ban, which only enraged the profile owner, leading to more aggressive and inappropriate behavior. The situation got worse when he started sharing email IDs and links of different accounts, presenting them as part of his false narratives.

The Patterns of Fake IDs

The list of fake IDs linked to the same self-proclaimed astrologer, Upendra Prasad, includes a range of aliases such as 'Pitra Dev', 'Devi Prasad', 'R C Gupta', and 'Vastu Expert'. Each of these IDs shares and promotes the same content, often presented under themes related to spirituality and astrology.

Common Signs of Fake IDs

Here are some common signs to look out for when identifying fake Quora identities:

Repetitive and Automated Comments: If a user frequently leaves comments such as "OK" or "G" without much substance, it could be a sign of an automated or fake account. Same Content Shared Across Identities: If various accounts are sharing the same or very similar content, it’s likely that they are linked to the same individual or group. Inappropriate Behavior: Accounts that engage in bullying, sharing personal pictures without consent, or spreading inappropriate content should be scrutinized further. Same Layout or Design: Accounts with similar layout or design choices might belong to the same owner.

Actions Taken by Quora

Quora has clear policies against fake identities and plagiarism. When such accounts are detected, they are typically flagged by the platform’s users. Once a pattern of suspicious activity is identified, Quora investigates and may take several actions:

Temporary or Permanent Ban: Accounts found engaging in spam, promoting a single individual, or engaging in inappropriate behavior may be temporarily or permanently banned. Notifications to Users: Notifications are sent to the users whose content is being copied or misrepresented to warn them of the actions taken. Content Removal: Any content found to be copied or misrepresented is removed from the platform.

Conclusion

Identifying fake identities on Quora is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the platform. By recognizing patterns in content, behavior, and design, users can help Quora maintain a clean and informative environment. Remember, if you suspect an account is fake or engaging in inappropriate activities, report it to Quora’s support team.

Further Reading

If you're interested in learning more about the issue, here are some articles to read:

Must read to know the truth: All fake copy paste masters belong to same city and same so-called teacher