# Scammer Filter

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**Free:** Alert only (log notification when a scammer joins). **Premium:** Full auto-ban on join + manual flagging via `/scammers flag`. [Compare plans →](https://securitybot.gitbook.io/securitybot-knowledge-hub/plans-and-pricing/plans-and-pricing)
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SecurityBot’s Scammer Filter automatically bans users who have been flagged as known scammers across any server using SecurityBot. It acts as a real-time defense system by using a global scammer database to identify and block repeat offenders.

In crypto and NFT communities, these attackers often move quickly, targeting multiple servers in a single day. The Scammer Filter protects your server by banning flagged accounts the moment they join, preventing them from sending messages or interacting with your members.

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### How it Works

* **Instant Auto-Ban**: Known scammer accounts are banned the moment they join before they can act.
* **Delayed Ban Catch-Up**: If a user is flagged *after* joining your server, they will be banned during the next automatic or manual purge.
* **Always-On Protection**: The Scammer Filter is **enabled by default** but can be turned off in settings.

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### Flag a Scammer

If you identify a scammer in your server, you can flag them to contribute to the global scammer database. This also immediately bans them from your server.

**Option 1: From a SecurityBot Log**

If SecurityBot has detected the user in a log (e.g., message deleted, address blocked), click the **“Flag as Scammer”** button under the embed.

**Option 2: Manually with a Command**

If there's no related log, use the flag command directly:

```
/scammers flag user: [user]
```

Example:

```
/scammers flag user: @Scammer
```

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Flagging a user is **permanent** and cannot be undone. However, the ban can be lifted at any time via your Discord server settings this will not unflag them from the SecurityBot database.
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### Best Practices

* **Act quickly** the sooner a user is flagged, the more communities are protected.
* **Use logs** to confirm malicious behaviour before flagging.
* **Be careful** to make sure you don't flag a genuine user as a scammer.

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Next up: Learn how to lock down specific channels in an emergency using [Channel Locks](https://securitybot.gitbook.io/securitybot-knowledge-hub/bot-guide/scam-prevention-features/channel-locks).