Posting a Reply

Awards

🏅 Awards

This document answers common questions about the Hack Forums awards system.

❓ Common Questions

How do I pay for a donation award?

Go to the Buy Awards page and follow the instructions. The process is straightforward.

How do I get a non-donation award?

Non-donation awards are granted by the Admin at their sole discretion.

You cannot get an award by asking for one via PM.

Non-donation awards are given rarely, and they are intentionally difficult to obtain.

Can I create a thread to nominate myself or another member for an award?

No.

Do not create threads to nominate, suggest, or request awards. If an official thread exists for a specific award-related purpose, you may post in that thread only.

What are awards for?

Awards are a way for Admins to recognize members. Many awards have specific meaning attached to them.

You can view the reason an award was granted by visiting a member’s profile and clicking the award details.

The Awards page also lists awards and their meanings.

How do donation awards work?

Some awards are granted as recognition for a one-time donation.

Important: Donation awards are based on single donations. We do not accumulate smaller donations toward award thresholds.

Examples:

• Some awards may be granted at $20, $50+, $1000, etc.
• If two awards require $20 and $50+ respectively, you would need to donate at least $70 in a single donation to qualify for both.

You can view award options and donate here: Buy Awards

Do upgrades and paid stickies count toward donation awards?

No.

Donation awards are strictly for donations and do not include purchases such as upgrades, stickies, or other paid products.

Do you accept cryptocurrency for donation awards?

Yes.

Donations must be made through the award payment processor, which converts the selected cryptocurrency amount to the correct USD value at the time of purchase.

Note: Cryptocurrency prices change constantly. The processor will calculate the correct amount automatically.

What are Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Dash?

They are cryptocurrencies.

If you need help using cryptocurrency, visit the Crypto Currency forum.

What is the Gift award?

The Gift award is designed to be purchased for another member (or yourself).

The award description will display either:

• You bought yourself a gift, or
• A gift from MEMBER

You may purchase Gift awards for multiple different members, but only one Gift award per member will be granted.

The Gift award is $25.

What is the Brony award?

The Brony award is a “you asked for it” type of award.

Be aware: the award description may include negative humor or criticism. If you buy it, expect to be roasted.

The Brony award is $100.

What is the Legalize It award?

The Legalize It award is a political statement award supporting legalization and decriminalization of cannabis in the United States.

As part of this award, 25% of the donation is contributed to NORML.org (an organization focused on marijuana law reform).

Purchase and donate here: Buy Awards

How long after payment will the award appear?

Most awards are applied within 15–30 minutes, depending on payment method.

Cryptocurrency payments require network confirmations and may take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple hours.

If you do not receive your award after 24 hours, contact Admin with your transaction ID and payment details.

Can I change the display order of my awards?

Yes.

Use the Sort Awards page to reorder your awards.

There is a fixed fee of 100 β to change the order.

I think I’m qualified to get an award. Who do I contact?

No one.

Your personal opinion about your qualifications is not relevant to how awards are granted.

I want to know how to get a specific award.

We do not assist members in obtaining awards.

No additional requirements or “how-to” guidance will be provided beyond what is already stated in award descriptions and official documentation.

Another member has an award and said they got it by doing X.

How another member obtained an award is not your concern and is not a path for you to obtain the same award.

Awards are granted solely at Admin discretion.

I think another member deserves an award. Can I nominate them?

No.

Award nominations and requests are ignored.

I sent a PM to an admin about an award and got no response.

Admins are busy.

You were not supposed to PM about awards in the first place, and award requests are often ignored without reply.

Awards seem hard to get but some members have many.

Awards are intentionally difficult to obtain.

They are not meant to be handed out to everyone who asks or believes they deserve one.

I heard I can buy awards. Is that true?

Sometimes a donation is made, and a show of appreciation is the granting of an award.

We do not “sell awards” in the traditional sense, but donation awards exist as recognition for one-time donations.

Can I suggest a new award?

No.

Awards are created by Admins only, at their discretion.

Suggestions for new awards are ignored. Do not PM staff or create threads for this purpose.

Can someone else pay for my donation award?

Yes.

They can use the order form and enter your UID where required.

Can I buy someone else a donation award?

Yes.

Enter the recipient’s UID where required during checkout.

I have a forum. Can I get the awards plugin?

The plugin is called My Award for MyBB forum software and was developed by Admin.

You can obtain it at MyBB Central.

Can I sell my award to someone else?

No.

Hack Forums previously had an Awards Market feature, but it is no longer available.

Rules and Etiquette

📜 Hack Forums Rules

By using Hack Forums, you agree to follow these rules. Violations may result in warnings, content removal, account restrictions, or permanent bans.

1. No direct links to infected or malicious downloads.
   Do not post or link directly to known malware, infected files, or malicious downloads in posts, profiles, or signatures.
2. No posting of personal information that is not your own.
   Privacy must be respected at all times. This includes passwords, login credentials, private data, doxxing material, or database dumps containing personal information.
3. No adult or pornographic content.
   Adult images, videos, or links to adult websites are not permitted anywhere on the forum.
4. One account per user.
   Only one active Hack Forums account is allowed. Multiple accounts are prohibited unless reporting a compromised account or rejoining after an automatic closure due to inactivity. Ban evasion will result in permanent closure of all related accounts. No exceptions.
5. No advertising of competing sites.
   Advertising competing communities or forums with similar structure or purpose to Hack Forums is not allowed. This includes posts, signatures, profiles, private messages, and external links.
6. No posting of fake or deceptive programs.
   Software, tools, or downloads intended to deceive, mislead, or falsely claim functionality are prohibited.
7. No donation begging or fundraising threads.
   This includes requests for donations, loans, investors, or financial assistance of any kind.
8. Follow forum-specific rules.
   You must read and comply with all additional rules posted in individual forum headers and in the Profile Policies & Rules help document.
9. Marketplace activity is restricted to the Marketplace.
   Marketplace-style threads may only be posted in the Marketplace category under the Market tab. All Marketplace Rules and Policies must be followed. The Marketplace Discussions forum and its subforums are not intended for active sales or service advertisements.
10. Off-site contact methods are restricted.
    Posting off-site contact information (including email, Discord, Telegram, or similar platforms) is not permitted for non-upgraded members. Only members in the Vendor group may advertise or post Discord channels.
11. Disallowed Blackhat activities are prohibited.
    All users must comply with the Disallowed Blackhat Activity list. Restricted activities may not be discussed, promoted, or facilitated.
12. Popularity comments must not involve Marketplace activity.
    Popularity comments may not reference Marketplace transactions, services, or disputes, whether positive or negative. This includes calling users scammers, trusted, or commenting on products or services.

✍️ Posting Etiquette

In addition to the rules above, users are expected to follow basic posting standards to maintain readability and organization across the forum.

1. Post in the correct category.
   Threads and replies must be placed in the most appropriate forum section.
2. Use proper grammar and punctuation.
   Posts should be readable. Use capitalization and punctuation where appropriate.
3. Do not double post.
   Posting multiple consecutive replies instead of editing your previous post is not allowed.
4. Do not cross post.
   Do not repeat the same or substantially similar content across multiple threads or forums.
5. No leaked content.
   Do not post content taken from another source without permission or proper attribution.
6. Use clear and relevant thread titles.
   Thread subjects must accurately describe the content. Vague or low-effort titles are not acceptable.
7. Credit original sources.
   When sharing content from another website, credit the source and link to the original material. Content from competing forums should not be reposted.

Failure to follow these rules or etiquette guidelines may result in moderation action at staff discretion.

Reporting Posts

🚩 Reporting Posts

This document explains all official report options and when to use them.

Before submitting a report, ensure the content clearly violates a site rule or policy.

Reports are reviewed by staff at their discretion. Submitting a report does not guarantee that action will be taken. All moderation decisions rest solely with Staff.

If you need to report behavior that does not involve a specific post (for example, ban evasion or multiple accounts), you must private message a staff member.

📝 How to Report a Post or Thread

To report a post or thread:

1. Click the Report button located at the bottom-right of the post or thread.
2. Select the report reason that best matches the violation.
3. Click Report Post to submit.

If you are unsure which option applies, review the explanations below.

📌 Report Reasons Explained

🟦 Unverified Discord Sharing

If a user displays their Discord username anywhere on the site (profile, posts, PMs, or Convos), it must be verified through the official verification process.

Verification instructions can be found here:
Discord Verification Instructions

Any unverified Discord sharing must be reported using this option.

🟥 Blackhat Activity

Hack Forums does not allow discussion of disallowed blackhat activities listed here:

Disallowed Blackhat Activity

Any discussion, promotion, or facilitation of these activities may result in warnings or bans, at staff discretion.

🛒 Out of Marketplace

All marketplace-style activity must be posted within the Marketplace category.

This includes buying, selling, trading, paid services, appraisals, auctions, or threads with “optional payment” or “not free” language.

Posting such content outside the Market tab may result in a warning and a seven-day posting restriction.

✍️ Posting Etiquette

This option applies to non-constructive, incoherent, or low-quality posts.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Bypassing the minimum character requirement (25 characters) using fillers, invisible characters, or meaningless text such as “25 char”, “bump”, or excessive emojis;
• Repeating another user’s post without adding new information;
• Replying with memes instead of contributing to the discussion;
• Intentional use of broken English (e.g., parody or troll speech);
• Trolling or baiting behavior;
• Quoting a post without adding content exceeding 25 original characters.

Moderators, Mentors, and Staff are exempt from character limits in sections they moderate.

📂 Wrong Forum

Threads posted in the incorrect forum should be reported using this option.

Do not use this option for Marketplace-style threads. Those must be reported as Out of Marketplace.

Referral or survey links posted outside of Referrals or Survey Says also fall under this category.

⚖️ Marketplace Violation

This option applies to violations of Marketplace rules.

Refer to the full policy here:
Marketplace Rules and Policies

Common violations include:

• Violating section-specific Marketplace rules;
• Bumping your own thread with low-effort posts such as “online”, “support available”, or “still selling”;
• Bumping threads you do not own, including as a support member;
• Discouraging sales without legitimate justification;
• Redirecting users to competitor threads;
• Posting and deleting content to artificially bump threads (PBD).

Customers with Active, Completed, or Disputed contracts may leave negative reviews. These are not violations.

Abuse of this report option may result in sanctions.

🌐 Advertising Competing Site

Advertising competing forums is not allowed anywhere on Hack Forums.

Competing forums are those with hacking-related sections similar to those found here.

Some sites may be approved by the Administrator. To request approval, contact Admin before posting.

👤 Profile Violation

Profiles must comply with the rules outlined here:

Profile Policies, Violations, and Rules

When reporting a profile violation, report a single post by the user. Staff will review the profile as a whole.

Admissions of multiple accounts also fall under this category.

🔞 Adult Content

Posts or threads may not contain:

• Graphic or pornographic images
• Links to adult or gore-related sites
• Nudity, obscenity, or vulgar content

The buying, selling, or trading of adult-related accounts or services is also prohibited.

💸 Donation Begging

Requests for donations, loans, investments, or gifts are not permitted.

This includes charity and crowdfunding-related posts.

🧾 Personal Information

Posts may not contain personal information about others.

This includes phone numbers, addresses, IPs, emails, names, or contact details.

The only exception is the Deal Disputes section, where relevant information may be posted as images only.

🦠 Infected Content

Direct links to malware, trojans, spyware, or other malicious files intended to infect users are prohibited.

When reporting infected content, provide conclusive proof and report the post containing the evidence rather than the original post.

❓ Other

Use this option for violations not covered above.

This currently includes:

• Sectional rule violations not otherwise categorized;
• Expired or fake contests;
• Gravedug threads revived with useless or low-effort replies.

Abuse of the reporting system may result in warnings or other moderation action.

Use reports responsibly.

Privacy Policies and Legal Disclaimer

🔐 Privacy Statement

Our Commitment to Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. This notice explains Hack Forums’ online information practices and the choices you can make about how your information is collected and used.

This policy is made available throughout the site wherever personally identifiable information may be requested.

📄 Information We Collect

This notice applies to all information collected or submitted on the Hack Forums website.

The types of personal information we collect include:

• Email address
• IP address and related connection information

Additional non-personal technical data may be collected automatically to ensure site security, performance, and abuse prevention.

⚙️ How We Use Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

We do not share personal information with outside parties except where required to comply with legal obligations, enforce our policies, prevent abuse, or protect the integrity of the platform.

Email addresses are used only for:

• Account registration and verification
• Password recovery
• Opt-in notifications such as thread subscriptions and private messages

Email addresses are not used for marketing and are not shared with third parties.

We may use non-identifying, aggregated information to understand site usage and performance. Any such data is anonymized and cannot be used to identify individual users.

📢 Advertising & Monetization

Hack Forums serves first-party advertisements only.

• All advertisements are delivered directly by Hack Forums
• All advertising images and assets are hosted on Hack Forums’ own servers
• No third-party advertising networks are used

Hack Forums does not use Google AdSense, Google Analytics, or any third-party advertising or tracking platforms.

No third-party advertisers are permitted to place cookies, pixels, web beacons, or cross-site tracking technologies on Hack Forums for advertising, profiling, or behavioral targeting purposes.

Any advertisement placement or display logic is performed internally and is not based on cross-site behavioral tracking.

🔗 Affiliate Links

Some pages may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, Hack Forums may earn a commission.

Affiliate tracking (if any) occurs only after you leave Hack Forums and is governed by the privacy policies of the respective affiliate providers. Hack Forums does not receive personally identifiable information from affiliate partners.

Editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate relationships.

🌐 Cloudflare & Infrastructure Providers

Hack Forums uses Cloudflare as a security and performance provider.

Cloudflare may process limited technical data such as IP addresses, request headers, and traffic metadata in order to:

• Mitigate DDoS and abuse
• Prevent malicious activity
• Improve site performance and availability

This processing is performed in accordance with Cloudflare’s own privacy and security policies. Hack Forums does not authorize Cloudflare to use this data for advertising or profiling.

🔒 Our Commitment to Data Security

To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure proper use of information, we have implemented appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to protect the information we collect.

👶 Our Commitment to Children’s Privacy

Protecting the privacy of children is especially important.

Hack Forums does not knowingly collect or maintain information from anyone under the age of 13. Accounts associated with users under 13 are denied upon registration, and no part of this website is structured to attract individuals under that age.

🚨 Name and Shame Policy

Any user who reverses or disputes payments made to Hack Forums is subject to account closure.

Payment reversal may result in public disclosure of the associated account and payment information, including placement within the user’s profile or signature. This information may be indexed by search engines.

If you choose to reverse a payment to Hack Forums, you do so with full awareness of this policy.

📬 How to Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the site contact form.

⚠️ Disclaimer

No Warranties

This website is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Hack Forums makes no representations regarding availability, accuracy, or completeness of content.

Nothing on this website constitutes professional, legal, financial, or technical advice.

Limitations of Liability

Hack Forums is not liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential losses
• Loss of revenue, income, profits, or anticipated savings
• Loss or corruption of data, reputation, or business relationships

These limitations apply even if Hack Forums has been advised of potential losses.

Exceptions

Nothing in this disclaimer excludes liability that cannot be excluded by law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

Reasonableness

By using this website, you agree that the exclusions and limitations set out above are reasonable. If you do not agree, you must not use this website.

Other Parties

You agree not to bring claims personally against officers, employees, agents, contractors, or affiliates of Hack Forums in respect of any losses suffered in connection with the website.

Unenforceable Provisions

If any provision of this disclaimer is found to be unenforceable under applicable law, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

🗑️ Deletion Policy & Data Requests

Due to legal obligations, exemptions, and legitimate interest requirements, data stored by Hack Forums cannot be deleted upon request.

🇪🇺 GDPR Information

Hack Forums processes data under applicable GDPR lawful bases, including but not limited to:

• Compliance with legal obligations
• Public interest and public security
• Freedom of expression and information
• Establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims

https://gdpr-info.eu/art-6-gdpr/
https://gdpr-info.eu/art-17-gdpr/
https://gdpr-info.eu/art-23-gdpr/

🇺🇸 CCPA Information

Hack Forums does not meet the statutory thresholds requiring mandatory CCPA compliance, including:

• Annual revenue exceeding $25,000,000
• Selling personal information
• Processing personal data of 50,000 or more California residents annually

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Consumer_Privacy_Act

Upgrading Your Account

⬆️ Upgrading Your Account

This document answers common questions about paid account upgrades on Hack Forums.

💳 Upgrade Pricing

Hack Forums currently offers the following paid membership options:

L33t (6 months) — $18 (crypto) / $25 (credit card)
L33t — $30 (crypto) / $35 (credit card)
Ub3r — $40 (1-year membership)
Vendor — $150

Note: Pricing and availability may change without notice.

⭐ Benefits of Upgrading

For a full list of upgrade benefits, see the Upgrade page.

Additional optional features are listed on the Extras page.

Some benefits may not be explicitly listed and are enabled automatically.

🚫 Can I Upgrade Directly to Ub3r?

No.

Your account must first be upgraded to L33t before you are eligible to upgrade to Ub3r.

🛒 What Is the Vendor Group?

The Vendor group provides additional permissions and tools specifically for Marketplace activity.

It is not intended for casual Marketplace use.

📝 How Do I Upgrade to Vendor?

You must first submit a Vendor application.

Apply here: Vendor Application

⏱️ I Paid. When Will My Account Be Upgraded?

Upgrades are typically applied within one hour.

The process is automated and depends on sufficient cryptocurrency network confirmations.

Do not PM staff or create support threads unless 24 hours have passed.

If contacting support after 24 hours, include your transaction ID.

💰 Accepted Payment Methods

We currently accept the following payment methods:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Dash (DASH)

Credit cards are accepted for the L33t upgrade only.

🎁 Can Someone Else Pay for My Upgrade?

Yes.

Some members arrange third-party payments, including cryptocurrency-for-PayPal exchanges.

See the Currency Exchange forum.

🚫 Can a L33t Member Buy Me Ub3r?

No.

Only existing Ub3r members may gift Ub3r upgrades.

📋 Ub3r Requirements

To upgrade to Ub3r, your account must meet all of the following requirements:

• At least 60 days old
• At least 100 posts
• At least 50 popularity

If you do not meet these requirements, the upgrade process will display an error.

🔍 How Do You Know the Order Is for My Account?

You must be logged into your Hack Forums account during checkout.

The checkout system automatically captures your UID and username.

The upgrade process is fully automated.

❌ Refund Policy

No refunds.

All sales are final. No exceptions.

Read carefully before upgrading. Once processed, upgrades cannot be reversed.

Copyright Infringement and DMCA

©️ Copyright Infringement and DMCA

Hack Forums respects intellectual property rights and expects users to do the same.

📄 Copyright Violations, Abuse, and Notification

Copyright holders who believe their material has been posted without authorization may request removal.

To submit a copyright removal request, contact us through our contact form and use Copyright Violation as the subject.

Your request must include:

• The direct URL(s) of the post, thread, or content in question
• A statement identifying the copyrighted work
• Reasonable proof of ownership (for example, a link to your official website or original publication)

Incomplete or vague requests may be ignored.

Upon verification, infringing content will be removed promptly.

🏷️ Trademarks

Hack Forums does not permit the unauthorized use of trademarks in a manner that is misleading, deceptive, or infringing.

Trademark owners may use the same contact process described above to report misuse.

False or abusive copyright or trademark claims may result in denial of the request or further action.

Hack Forums reserves the right to take additional steps where required by law.

Marketplace Safe Trading

🛒 Marketplace Safe Trading

While we aim to provide the safest possible environment for trading, the reality is simple: Hack Forums is not always a safe place to conduct business.

If you choose to use the Marketplace, you are responsible for protecting yourself. The steps below will reduce (but not eliminate) your risk.

✅ Safe Trading Checklist

1. Search the member’s UID and username.
   Use the Search Feature to look up the UID and name of the member you plan to deal with. If a Community Alert or Deal Dispute exists, you may find it in search results.
2. Check the Deal Dispute Database.
   Review the Deal Dispute Database for any open or historical disputes involving the member.
3. Check Trust Scan (upgraded members).
   If you are upgraded, review the user’s Trust Scan. It should not be your only factor, but it can help you spot suspicious account security patterns.
4. ALWAYS use Contracts.
   Use Contracts for every deal. Contracts exist for your protection and create an on-site record that can be used if a dispute occurs.
5. Review the user’s Market Profile.
   Check their Market Profile for Contracts history and their Credibility. It also links to dispute history when applicable.
6. Use common sense.
   This matters more than any tool. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
7. If you get scammed, do not close a dispute early.
   If a seller pressures you to close a dispute, do not close it until you are satisfied with the outcome.
   More information: Dispute Closing Policy

🆔 What is a UID and how do I find it?

A UID (User ID) is a unique identifier assigned to every Hack Forums account.

When you view a member’s profile, the URL will look like:

hackforums.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=129349

The number 129349 is that user’s UID.

💬 Methods of Communication

Hack Forums provides official communication methods that create reliable on-site records:

• Private Messages (PMs)
• Convo (Conversation System)

We strongly recommend using on-site communication for Marketplace deals because:

• On-site messages create a verifiable record tied to the correct account.
• Convo messages cannot be deleted.
• If one party deletes a PM, the other party still retains their copy.
• You can export your messages for your own records: Export PMs

⚠️ Dangers of Off-Site Communication

Many scams happen because users move deals to off-site platforms such as Discord, Telegram, Skype, or email.

The biggest problem is simple: you cannot reliably confirm who you are speaking with off-site.

Impersonators frequently pose as reputable HF sellers. Usernames can be faked or made to look identical, and some platforms allow messages to be edited or deleted.

Red flags when someone pushes off-site communication:

• They try to rush the deal and pressure you to send first.
• They want to avoid using an HF Contract.
• They refuse to verify via HF PMs or Convo.

There are always risks in online trading. Using HF PMs and Convo helps reduce those risks because you can confirm the identity of the account you are dealing with.

Joining Staff

🛡️ Joining Staff

This document answers common questions about becoming a staff member on Hack Forums.

❓ Staff FAQ

What are the requirements to become staff?

There are no fixed or published requirements.

That said, staff members are expected to be:

• Well respected within the community
• Knowledgeable about current rules and policies
• Mature, level-headed, and professional
• Consistently active in a meaningful way

Account activity matters, but volume alone does not.

3,000 low-quality posts will not get you on staff. Quality contributions matter far more than post count.

How are staff members chosen?

Staff members are selected by the Admin, with input from existing staff.

Typically, staff will create an internal nomination list and review candidates over a period of time.

If selected, the member will receive a private invitation asking whether they are interested in joining the staff team.

Can I moderate a specific forum section?

Only a small number of forum moderators exist on Hack Forums.

Some sections do not require moderation at all.

Forums that require a moderator will have one appointed by Admin.

Members cannot request or choose specific sections to moderate.

Should I send Admin a PM about joining staff?

No.

Do not PM Admin asking to become staff.

Staff members do not nominate themselves, and such messages are ignored.

Are staff members paid?

No.

All staff positions on Hack Forums are volunteer roles.

If I become staff, can I abuse other members?

No.

Abuse of authority will result in immediate removal from staff and may result in an account ban.

Staff roles are based on trust.

If you are selected, it is because you have demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and respect for the community over time.

Stolen and Lost HF Accounts

🔐 Stolen and Compromised Accounts

If your Hack Forums account is compromised, stolen, or lost, your options are extremely limited.

📩 What To Do If Your Account Is Compromised

Use the Contact Form and select Stolen/Lost Account as the subject.

Provide as much detail as possible.

If staff determine that your account was compromised, the account may be closed immediately to prevent further damage, abuse, or scams.

🚫 Lost Credentials Are Your Responsibility

If you have lost access to your account due to:

• Email access
• Password loss
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) issues

We will not assist with account recovery.

Failure to maintain access to your credentials is your responsibility.

⚖️ Marketplace Consequences

If an account is reported as lost or stolen and has:

• Deal Dispute threads
• Scammer-related B-Ratings
• Entries in the Deal Dispute Database

The account will be closed permanently and marked as lost/stolen scammer.

You will not be permitted to return to the community under any circumstances.

🧠 Account Security Expectations

All accounts reported as lost or stolen are subject to closure at the sole discretion of the Admin.

If you lost your credentials, that is considered irresponsible.

If your account was stolen, that indicates inadequate account security.

Hack Forums places the burden of account security entirely on the account owner.

🔑 Two-Factor Authentication (GAuth)

All upgraded accounts have full access to our Google Authenticator (2FA) security feature.

You are strongly advised to enable it.

The GAuth page includes instructions for backing up your recovery key in case of:

• Lost device
• Stolen device
• Device reset

Backup your recovery key.

We do not guarantee account recovery if you lose access to your 2FA device.

GAuth exists to protect your account. Maintaining access is your responsibility.

🚷 Account Ownership Rules

Hack Forums accounts:

• May not be shared
• May not be transferred
• May not be sold

Any evidence suggesting that an account is no longer under the exclusive control of the original owner may result in immediate account closure.

⚠️ Final Authority

Hack Forums reserves the right to close any account:

• For any reason
• At any time
• Without obligation to restore access

Account security is your responsibility. Protect it accordingly.

Protecting Yourself From HF and Members

🛡️ Protecting Yourself From HF and Members

This document is intended to help you use Hack Forums more safely, reduce the risk of account compromise, and improve your general online security.

⚠️ HF Safety Policy

Hack Forums is not responsible for the actions of its members.

While we do not allow malicious activity and we remove it when discovered, Hack Forums users may still be targeted by outsiders or rogue members. You are responsible for your own security and for using common sense when interacting with others online.

If you encounter malicious activity:

• If the malicious content is in a post or thread, use the Report feature.
• If the issue is not tied to a specific post (for example, harassment, off-site threats, or suspicious behavior), privately message a staff member.

Content that violates site rules may be removed and the responsible account may be warned or banned at staff discretion.

✅ Tips for Your Safety

1. Use antivirus protection (and keep it updated).
   See: Antivirus Guide
2. Use a firewall.
   See: Firewall Guide
3. Learn what phishing is and how to spot it.
   See: Phishing Guide
4. Do not click suspicious links.
   Malicious links may attempt to steal login sessions, browser data (cookies/history), or trick you into installing malware. If something looks off, do not click it.
5. Be cautious with downloads posted on HF.
   Check replies and feedback from other users first. If there are no meaningful comments, scan the file yourself before running it.
   
   You may upload suspicious files to a multi-scanner service such as NoVirusThanks and share the results in the thread to help other members.
   
   If a file is malicious, report the post using the Report button.
6. If you believe you are infected, seek help in the appropriate forum.
   Start here: Infections / Malware Removal

Bottom line: Trust is earned, not assumed. Treat links, files, and offers with caution.

HF Site Access Problems and Loading Errors

🌐 HF Site Access Problems and Loading Errors

Hack Forums employs multiple layers of security to protect against abuse, including DDoS and automated attacks.

Some of these protections may occasionally affect legitimate users. Please read this document carefully before contacting staff.

🔥 How the Server Firewall Works

One of Hack Forums’ primary defenses is a server-level firewall.

If your connection exceeds certain thresholds, your IP may be automatically blocked. This effectively cuts off access to the server.

Common actions that can trigger the firewall include:

• Opening too many tabs connected to Hack Forums
• Refreshing pages repeatedly in a short period of time
• Automated tools, scripts, or aggressive browser settings

To avoid being firewalled, you may need to adjust how you browse the site or reduce the number of concurrent connections your browser opens.

Browser Connection Settings (Advanced Users)

Lowering the maximum number of simultaneous connections can help prevent firewall triggers.

Firefox:

Type about:config in the address bar
Search for connect
Set network.http.max-connections-per-server to 10

Opera:

Type about:config in the address bar
Search for connect
Set Max Connections Server to 10

If issues persist, lower the value to 8.

These settings should not noticeably slow normal browsing. Most servers throttle connections automatically; Hack Forums enforces stricter limits for protection.

🔓 How Do I Get Unblocked?

If you believe your IP has been firewalled:

• Connect using a different IP or temporary proxy
• Use the contact form
• Use Firewalled as the subject
• Include your normal IP address and username

Requests are typically reviewed within 24 hours.

Note: Firewall block lists are also flushed periodically.

🌍 Country-Based Blocking

Yes, Hack Forums blocks traffic from certain countries.

This is not a judgment of the people in those regions.

Country blocks are applied due to persistent abuse originating from specific locations, including botnets, rogue datacenters, and high-risk networks.

The block list is extensive and not publicly disclosed.

Do not request country blocks to be removed.

🚫 Can You Whitelist My IP?

No.

Hack Forums does not whitelist individual IP addresses under any circumstances.

🧩 Check Your Hosts File

In the past, malware and third-party tools have altered users’ hosts files to block access to Hack Forums.

This redirects your system away from the real site.

To check your hosts file on Windows, open the following path in your browser:

file://localhost/c:/windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts

If you see entries referencing hackforums.net, remove them, save the file, and restart your browser.

🔐 I’m Using a VPN and It Doesn’t Work

Many VPNs, datacenters, and proxy networks are blocked.

There is no guarantee of access when using a VPN.

Reliable access is most consistent from residential connections in English-speaking countries.

🗄️ SQL or MyBB Errors

If you encounter a MyBB error page referencing a MySQL or database issue, do not panic.

Hack Forums is a high-traffic site, and brief database or load-related errors may occur.

Recommended steps:

• Wait 1–2 minutes and refresh the page
• If the issue persists for 10 minutes or longer, check our Official HF Twitter for status updates

In short: Most access issues are caused by aggressive browsing behavior, blocked networks, or temporary load conditions.

Adjust your usage habits before contacting staff.

Popularity System

⭐ Popularity System

The Popularity System allows eligible members to leave public feedback about other users.

It is a social opinion metric, not a Marketplace reputation system.

❓ Common Questions

What is the Popularity System?

The Popularity System allows upgraded members to leave comments and assign a numerical rating that is visible to the rest of Hack Forums.

What is the Popularity System used for?

Primarily, it allows members to express their personal opinion about another user.

It is not intended to measure trustworthiness, professionalism, or Marketplace reliability.

Why do some members have more popularity points than comments?

Some users can assign multiple popularity points per comment.

The number of points available depends on the rater’s group:

• L33t members: -1, 0, or +1
• Ub3r members: -3 to +3
• Staff: -5 to +5
• Administrators: -10 to +10

Can members write anything they want when giving popularity?

Generally, yes.

The primary exception is Marketplace-related commentary.

What types of popularity comments are disallowed?

All Marketplace-related comments are prohibited.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Calling someone a scammer
• Calling someone trusted or untrusted
• Referencing products, services, sales, or transactions

Popularity ratings must not reference Marketplace activity in any way.

What happens if I violate the Marketplace comment policy?

The popularity rating will be removed.

You will receive a warning from staff.

Can members ask others to leave popularity ratings?

Yes.

Asking for popularity ratings is allowed.

Can my popularity be reset?

No.

Popularity is permanent and will not be reset for any reason.

Consider this carefully when interacting with other members.

I believe I was abused through popularity. How do I report it?

You may contact Staff for review.

Popularity ratings will only be removed if they violate the Marketplace comment restriction.

Staff does not moderate popularity for fairness, tone, or personal disagreement.

What is revenge popularity, and is it allowed?

Revenge popularity occurs when a member leaves you a negative rating after you rated them negatively.

This is allowed.

If you leave negative popularity, you should expect the possibility of a reciprocal rating.

Staff and Admins will not take action on revenge popularity.

Can I have a negative popularity rating removed if it seems unfair or doesn’t make sense?

No.

Fairness or logical reasoning is not required.

You may contact the member who left the rating if you wish to understand their reasoning.

If a member who left me popularity gets banned, can the rating be removed?

No.

Popularity ratings from banned members are not removed.

I was scammed and want to leave popularity about it. Can I?

No.

Marketplace-related issues must be handled through the Contracts system.

Popularity ratings are unrelated to Marketplace activity.

Popularity is an opinion system, not a justice system.

Use it thoughtfully.

Disallowed BlackHat Activity

🚫 Disallowed Blackhat Activity

The following blackhat activities are not permitted on Hack Forums.

We do not provide detailed justification for each prohibited category. The reasoning varies and may involve legal risk, ethical concerns, or community standards. Discussion, promotion, facilitation, or requests related to these topics are not allowed.

If you have received a warning and were directed to read this document, you are expected to review it carefully and comply fully.

💳 Carding

All discussion of carding is prohibited.

This includes, but is not limited to, stolen credit cards, CVVs, dumps, card testing, tutorials, tools, methods, or marketplaces related to card fraud.

🏦 Financial & Identity Fraud

Hack Forums takes financial and identity fraud very seriously.

Any content designed to facilitate or enable fraud—including identity theft, account takeovers, bank fraud, tax fraud, or similar activity—is not allowed.

Posting such material may result in immediate account closure.

🧨 Blackmail & Extortion

Discussion or promotion of blackmail, extortion, coercion, or threats is strictly prohibited.

This includes doxxing-for-hire, ransom demands, or leveraging private information for gain.

👜 Replica or Counterfeit Merchandise

The selling, promotion, or discussion of counterfeit or replica brand merchandise is not allowed.

This includes guides, suppliers, marketplaces, or methods related to fake goods.

🪪 Fake Identification

Discussion, sale, promotion, or assistance related to fake or forged identification documents is prohibited.

This includes IDs, passports, licenses, or any government-issued identification.

💿 Cracked or Pirated Software

Hack Forums is not a warez site.

The selling, sharing, requesting, or distribution of cracked, pirated, or illegally licensed software is not allowed.

🔪 Murder for Hire

Hack Forums may not be used to solicit, facilitate, or discuss contract killing or violence-for-hire.

Any such content will result in immediate and permanent account termination.

Attempts to evade these rules through coded language, euphemisms, or indirect requests will be treated as violations.

Enforcement decisions are made at staff discretion and may include warnings, post removal, suspension, or permanent bans.

Profile Policies, Violations, and Rules

👤 Profile Policies, Violations, and Rules

Your profile, signature, avatar, and usertitle are subject to moderation. Violations may result in warnings, content removal, or account action.

📋 Basic Rules

1. No account trading or sharing.
   Buying, selling, trading, or sharing accounts is not allowed.
2. One account per user.
   Multiple accounts are not permitted, except for a UID_TEMP account as outlined in the Stolen and Lost HF Accounts help document.
3. No adult content.
   Nudity or explicit images are not allowed in profiles, avatars, or signatures.
4. No links to competing sites.
   Competing sites include any forum or website with topics similar to those under the Hacking tab.
5. No site goals.
   Examples include “1000 Posts”, “100 Popularity”, or similar achievement tracking.
6. English only.
   All profile text must be in English or reasonably readable English (including decorative Unicode).
7. No impersonation.
   Impersonating other members or staff is strictly prohibited.
8. No advertising DDoS, stressers, or booters.
   These services may not be advertised anywhere in your profile.
9. No shock sites.
   Links to shock content or shock websites are not permitted.
10. Username requirements.
    Usernames must contain at least four visible characters.
11. No layout-breaking characters.
    Profiles may not contain special characters or formatting that breaks or alters the forum layout.
12. No site goals or achievements in signatures.
    This includes posts, popularity, upgrades, or group memberships.
13. Signature image limits.
    Maximum size: 650x200 pixels, 500KB. Animated images must not be distracting or excessive.
14. Off-site contact restrictions.
    Email addresses, Discord, or other off-site contact methods may not be shared in signatures unless you are an upgraded member.

❓ Common Questions

I received a “Profile Violation” warning but no explanation. Why?

If no private message accompanied your warning, review this entire help document carefully. Profile violations are issued for clear policy breaches listed here.

What is the maximum signature image size?

Signature images may be no wider than 650 pixels, no taller than 200 pixels, and no larger than 500KB.

What if my signature only contains text?

There is no exact visual size limit for text-only signatures. However, the system limit is 255 characters including MyCode.

Do not artificially enlarge text or use excessive spacing. Be reasonable.

Why not increase the character limit or discount MyCode?

This is the enforced limit. It will not be changed.

All users are subject to the same restrictions.

Why can’t I upload an avatar?

Only upgraded members may upload avatars directly.

Regular members may use remote avatars by providing an image URL hosted elsewhere. Remote avatars must still comply with all avatar rules.

What is the maximum size for remote avatars?

Remote avatars are resized for display, but file size is not automatically checked.

The enforced maximum size is 100KB. Avatars exceeding this limit will be removed and may result in a warning.

Can I use the same avatar or signature as a staff member?

No.

Impersonating staff or other members through usernames, avatars, signatures, or usertitles is taken very seriously and may result in an immediate ban—even if intended as a joke.

What are the rules for usertitles?

Usertitles follow the same rules as profiles and signatures.

Do not impersonate staff, flame members, advertise competing sites, or use religious or political symbolism.

I run or belong to another forum. Can I advertise it in my profile?

No.

Advertising competing forums—defined as forums with similar categories or subjects to those under the Hacking tab—is not allowed.

Can I have suggestive or “sexy” images in my profile?

To a limited extent.

Nudity is not allowed. If staff determines an image is overly explicit, it may be removed and a warning may be issued.

Someone is flaming me or calling me a scammer in their signature. What should I do?

Contact staff. We will review and take appropriate action.

Can I have site goals in my signature?

No.

Goals related to posts, popularity, groups, or upgrades are no longer allowed.

Can I use referral links in my signature (e.g., adf.ly)?

Yes, referral links are allowed.

Note that some services (such as Sharecash) are censored.

Can I have donation requests or donation links in my signature?

Yes.

Donation links in signatures are allowed, but donation begging threads or posts are still prohibited.

I don’t see MSN, AIM, or email displayed on my profile. Can I put them in my signature?

You may, but it is strongly discouraged.

Hack Forums contains malicious users. Posting personal contact information may expose you to harassment, targeting, or abuse.

Can I use fake links or shock links in my signature?

No.

Deceptive links, fake spoilers, or disguised shock content are not allowed.

Use common sense.

All profile-related enforcement decisions are made at staff discretion.

Repeated or intentional violations may result in escalated moderation action.

Account Profiles and Pruning

🗂️ Account Profiles and Pruning

This document explains how and why Hack Forums prunes data, accounts, and activity.

❓ Why Do You Prune Data?

We prune data to keep the database efficient.

Smaller databases perform better. Pruning is a necessary tradeoff to maintain site speed and stability.

🧵 Are Posts Pruned?

No.

Regular posts are not pruned based on age.

The only posts occasionally removed are those located in the Junk section, which is hidden from member view. This does not happen frequently, and the Junk section often contains hundreds of thousands of posts.

📉 My Post Count Dropped. What Happened?

Most likely, a large number of Junk threads were removed and a post recount was performed.

If your post count dropped significantly, it means a large portion of your posts were in Junk.

Post count is not a meaningful metric. Focus on quality contributions, not numbers.

📬 Are Private Messages (PMs) Pruned?

Yes.

Current PM retention policy:

• Regular Members: PMs older than 2 months
• L33t Members: PMs older than 6 months
• Ub3r Members: PMs older than 1 year

💾 Can I Save My PMs Before They Are Pruned?

Yes.

PM prunes are not announced.

You may export your PMs at any time through the User CP.

After exporting, we encourage you to manually prune your PMs to help reduce storage usage.

Export PMs here:
//hackforums.net/private.php?action=export

Empty PMs here:
//hackforums.net/private.php?action=empty

👥 Are Members Pruned?

Yes.

We routinely delete:

• Accounts that were never activated
• Zero-post accounts older than 2 months

This ensures that the majority of registered accounts belong to active posting members.

💬 Are Convos Pruned?

Entire conversations are not removed.

However, individual Convo messages older than 6 months are pruned.

Convo message pruning occurs daily.

📤 Can I Export Convos?

Yes.

Open the Convo you want to export and use the Export Convo option in the upper-right corner of the window.

Currently, Convos must be exported one at a time. Bulk export is not supported.

🚫 Can You Delete an Account So I Can Have the Username?

No.

Do not ask.

We will not delete accounts on request just to free a username, even if:

• The account has zero posts
• The account is several years old
• The account appears abandoned

If a zero-post account qualifies for pruning, it will be removed automatically in time.

🪙 My Bytes Were Reset. What Happened?

Bytes are reset to 0 after one year of account inactivity.

Bytes removed due to inactivity cannot be recovered.

🧹 What Else Gets Pruned?

In addition to the above, we prune:

• Search cache data (daily)
• Standard MyBB temporary data

These processes do not affect your account directly.

🔒 My Account Is Closed. What Does That Mean?

Accounts that have not been logged into for 6 months or more may be closed.

Closed accounts no longer function and will not be recovered.

This is done to prevent old inactive accounts from being hijacked and abused.

If your account was closed due to inactivity and you were not banned for a violation, you may rejoin Hack Forums using:

• A different username
• A different email address

🕵️ Username History

Usernames are not altered, deleted, or pruned.

Username history visibility:

• Last 6 months visible to members
• Full history visible to Admins and Staff

In the rare case that you accidentally entered sensitive data as a username, contact Admin immediately and change your password.

❌ Can I Have My Account Closed or Deleted?

You may request account closure.

We will first verify that you are the original account owner.

If closed:

• The closure is permanent
• You will not be allowed to return

Accounts are not deleted once posts exist.

Threads, posts, and PMs are not removed on request, though some data may be pruned naturally over time.

Pruning policies are permanent and non-negotiable.

Manage your data accordingly.

Advertising and Paid Stickies

When to Contact Staff

📬 When to Contact Staff

Before contacting any Admin or Staff member, you are expected to read this entire Help Document.

Hack Forums has millions of members. Staff time is limited.

We maintain extensive Help Docs that already answer the vast majority of questions. If your question is answered elsewhere and you still contact staff, do not expect a response.

Read. Then read again.

❓ Common Questions

Can I contact Admins about popularity rating abuse?

Only after you have carefully read the applicable policies.

Start here:
Popularity System Help Doc

If a popularity rating does not violate policy, it will not be removed.

My account was stolen. How do I recover it?

Read the following Help Document in full:

Stolen and Lost HF Accounts

Your best option is to use the contact form and provide detailed, accurate information.

Who do I contact about my L33t or Ub3r upgrade?

Read the upgrade Help Document:

Upgrading to L33t or Ub3r

I want an award. Who do I ask?

You must read the Awards Help Document:

Awards Help Doc

Who do I contact to sticky my thread?

You do not.

We do not take sticky suggestions from members. We limit stickies intentionally.

If you are interested in a paid sticky, read:

Advertising with Hack Forums

I know a member is ban evading. How do I report it?

Contact Staff or an Admin via private message.

Your identity will remain confidential.

I know a member is abusing popularity ratings. Who do I contact?

First, confirm the behavior qualifies as abuse under:

Popularity System Help Doc

If it does, contact Staff or an Admin via PM and include evidence.

I want to donate. I can’t find a link.

You must privately message the owner Admin:

PM the Owner Admin

I received a warning I believe was unfair. Can it be removed?

Unlikely.

If you have questions, PM the staff member who issued the warning.

You can view warning details by visiting your profile and clicking your warning percentage.

I filed a report but no action was taken. Should I contact staff directly?

No.

If the report option is still available, you may report again. If it is unavailable, the report is still in queue or staff determined no action was required.

I have a great idea for Hack Forums. Who should I contact?

Do not PM staff.

Post your idea in the Suggestions forum.

I want to become a moderator or staff member. How do I apply?

Start here:

Becoming Staff

A member is harassing me via private message. Can I complain to staff?

No.

Use your Ignore List. Once ignored, that member can no longer PM you.

Someone is threatening to release my private information (DOX). Can you help?

Hack Forums prohibits posting private information.

However, we cannot take action based on off-site activity. While we sympathize, there is very little we can do in these cases.

I’m receiving spam PM advertisements. How do I report them?

Forward the PM to any Staff or Admin member.

These reports are reviewed immediately.

I have a legitimate complaint about a staff member. Can I report it?

Yes.

You may PM an Admin with your complaint.

Be aware that disagreement with moderation does not automatically mean staff acted incorrectly. Complaints are reviewed, and action will be taken if necessary.

Can I PM staff to change my username, edit posts, or remove threads?

No.

These are subscriber-only privileges. Granting them via staff request would be unfair to paying members.

Such requests are ignored.

See:
Upgrading to L33t or Ub3r

I don’t see my question answered in the Help Docs. Can I contact staff?

If you have genuinely read all relevant Help Docs, then yes.

Proceed carefully.

What happens if I contact staff about something already covered in the Help Docs?

Your message will likely be ignored.

You may receive a negative popularity rating, or possibly a warning.

Contacting staff is not a substitute for reading the Help Docs.

Use staff time responsibly.

HF Ad Banners

Marketplace Violations

🚫 Marketplace Violations

This document outlines common Marketplace violations. Failure to follow these rules may result in warnings, posting restrictions, or account closure.

📋 Marketplace Violations Rules List

1. Vouch Begging
   Do not ask for vouch copies unless the original poster (OP) has explicitly stated they are offering them.
2. Sales Trashing
   Do not attempt to sabotage, derail, or damage another member’s sales thread.
3. Unauthorized Vouching
   You may only vouch if you are an HF Contracted customer and the Contract includes a valid TID. Otherwise, vouching is not permitted.
4. Autobuy Restrictions
   Only members in the Vendor group may link to autobuy or automated checkout sites.
5. Deal Disputes Require HF Contracts
   Only deals conducted through approved HF Contracts may be disputed in the Deal Dispute forum.
6. Low-Quality Post (LQP) Bumping
   Do not bump your sales threads using low-quality replies. Use the official Post Bump for Bytes feature instead.
7. Refusing to Use HF Contracts
   Any user who refuses to use HF Contracts will have their account closed.
8. Refusing a Middleman in HF Contracts
   Refusing to use a middleman when requested under an HF Contract will result in account closure. The party requesting the middleman is responsible for the fee.
9. Off-Site Deals Still Require HF Contracts
   Even if communication or payment occurs off-site, the deal must still be documented using an HF Contract.
10. Pattern of Contract Avoidance
    If a pattern of avoiding HF Contracts is identified, your account will be closed.

⬆️ How Do I Bump My Sales Thread?

If you do not have a legitimate reply, you may use the Post Bump for Bytes feature.

Click the arrow-up icon on the first post of your own thread.

You may not bump threads you did not create.

Current pricing:

• Regular Members & L33t: 400 β
• Ub3r: 200 β
• Vendor: 100 β

🤝 Can I Sell for Other Members?

Yes.

Partnerships with non-members are allowed.

If you are selling on behalf of an existing HF member, both parties may not advertise the same product or service simultaneously.

📦 Can I Ask for Vouch Copies?

No.

You may only request vouch copies if the OP has explicitly stated they are available.

This rule applies to posts and private messages.

🎁 Can I Offer Vouch Copies?

Yes.

If you offer vouch copies, you must clearly state this in your first post.

Any limits or conditions (for example, quantity or PM requirements) must also be disclosed.

Once vouch copies are no longer available, update your original post to reflect this.

Staff must be able to verify that vouch copies were previously offered.

📍 Can I Post Marketplace Threads Anywhere?

No.

All Marketplace-style threads must be posted under the Marketplace tab.

Some sections require specific upgrade levels (such as Ub3r). Posting outside permitted sections is a violation.

📌 Are All Marketplace Policies Listed Here?

No.

You are required to read all stickied threads in each Marketplace subforum.

Some sections have additional rules that apply only within that section. Violations of those rules may still result in a Marketplace Violation warning.

Marketplace rules are strictly enforced.

Read before posting. Protect your account.

Sales Tags

🏷️ Sales Tags

Sales Tags are seller icons displayed next to thread titles on forum listing pages. They help your thread stand out and typically increase clicks.

Sales Tags are often used alongside Paid Sticky placement for maximum visibility.

❓ Common Questions

What are Sales Tags?

Sales Tags are icon badges that appear on forum thread listing pages to visually highlight a thread.

How much are Sales Tags?

Sales Tags are currently $20 each.

Where can I buy a Sales Tag?

Purchase here: https://hackforums.net/salestag.php

How long does a Sales Tag stay on my thread?

Sales Tags remain active for 30 days and then expire automatically.

I just paid. Why isn’t it on my thread yet?

Sales Tag placement is fully automated, but your payment must receive confirmations on the cryptocurrency network you used.

Once the payment confirms, the tag will be applied automatically.

What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Monero (XMR)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• Dogecoin (DOGE)

Can I extend my Sales Tag?

No.

Sales Tags cannot be extended. Let it expire and purchase it again after it ends.

You cannot purchase a Sales Tag for a thread that already has an active tag.

Can you move my Sales Tag to a different thread?

No.

Sales Tags are not modified after purchase. Make sure you select the correct thread before paying.

I bought the wrong Sales Tag. Can you change it?

No.

Sales Tags are not modified after purchase. Double-check your selection before completing payment.

Can I see examples of Sales Tags?

Yes. View current active Sales Tags here:

https://hackforums.net/salestag.php?action=show

Sales Tags are common in the Marketplace, so you have likely already seen them on active threads.

Edit History and Limits

✏️ Edit History and Limits

At Hack Forums, we aim to preserve the quality and integrity of content posted by our members. To support this, post editing is intentionally limited based on usergroup, time, and thread status.

🔢 Edit Count Limits (Rolling 60 Days)

Within any rolling 60-day period, posts may only be edited a limited number of times based on your usergroup:

• Regular Members: 5 edits
• L33t: 10 edits
• Ub3r: 15 edits
• V3ndor: Unlimited edits

Special cases:

• The first post of a sticky thread (paid or free) has unlimited edits
• Threads with an active Sales Tag have a 20-edit limit

⏱️ Time-Based Edit Limits

Editing and deletion privileges are also limited by how much time has passed since the post was created. Once this window expires, the post can no longer be edited or deleted.

• Regular Members: 24 hours
• L33t: 90 days
• Ub3r: 180 days
• V3ndor: Unlimited

Important: Purchasing a paid sticky or Sales Tag for a thread bypasses these time limits. V3ndors are exempt from both edit count and time-based restrictions.

⚠️ Additional Notes

• We reserve the right to undo or revert edits at any time
• You cannot delete the first post of a thread (the original post)
• The former Ub3r “junk thread” feature has been removed for years

These limits exist to prevent abuse, protect discussion integrity, and preserve long-term value of forum content.

Site Cookie Policy

🍪 Site Cookie Policy

This document explains how HackForums.net uses cookies and how they affect your experience on the site.

❓ What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are downloaded to your device when you visit a website.

Like most professional websites, Hack Forums uses cookies to improve functionality, usability, and overall user experience.

Cookies allow the site to remember things such as login status, preferences, and session information.

For general background information, see the Wikipedia article on HTTP Cookies.

⚙️ How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important reasons, including:

• Account authentication and session management
• Remembering login status between page loads
• Saving site preferences and settings
• Improving performance and usability

In most cases, there are no industry-standard ways to selectively disable cookies without breaking core site functionality.

If you are unsure whether you need cookies enabled, it is strongly recommended that you leave them enabled.

🚫 Disabling Cookies

You may disable cookies by changing the settings in your web browser.

Be aware:

• Disabling cookies will impact Hack Forums functionality
• Some features may not work correctly or at all
• You may be logged out unexpectedly or unable to log in

Because of these limitations, disabling cookies is not recommended.

🧩 Cookies We Set

Account-Related Cookies

When you create an account, cookies are used to manage the signup process and general account administration.

These cookies are usually removed when you log out, but in some cases they may remain to remember preferences while logged out.

Login-Related Cookies

Login cookies allow the site to remember that you are authenticated.

This prevents you from needing to log in again on every page.

These cookies are cleared when you log out to ensure restricted areas remain protected.

Site Preference Cookies

Preference cookies store your chosen site settings.

This allows Hack Forums to load pages according to your preferences each time you visit.

🔗 Third-Party Cookies

In limited cases, Hack Forums uses cookies from trusted third parties.

These include:

Google Analytics

Hack Forums uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with the site.

These cookies may track:

• Pages visited
• Time spent on the site
• General usage patterns

This information helps us improve content, performance, and usability.

For more details, see the official Google Analytics Cookie Documentation.

📬 Questions or Concerns

If you need additional information about this Cookie Policy, you may contact us using the:

Hack Forums Contact Form

By continuing to use HackForums.net, you consent to the use of cookies as described above.

MYPS FAQ

Deal Disputes and Scam Reports

⚖️ Deal Disputes

If you made a deal on Hack Forums and believe you were scammed, misled, or the agreement was not honored, there is one correct action you should take.

🚨 How to Open a Deal Dispute

1. Dispute the Contract.
   Go to the Contract associated with the deal and click the Dispute button.
   You must complete all fields accurately. Once submitted, a Deal Dispute thread is automatically created.

If you did not create an HF Contract that was Approved and Active, you have no dispute options.

Do not contact Staff or Admins directly about deal outcomes. You are repeatedly warned that Marketplace deals are conducted at your own risk.

Hack Forums cannot retrieve your funds, force deal completion, or compel refunds.

❗ Do NOT Close a Dispute Early

If the other party asks you to mark the dispute as resolved so they can “finish their part,” issue a refund, or provide compensation:

DO NOT mark the dispute as resolved until you are fully satisfied with the outcome.

If the other party attempts to blackmail, threaten, or pressure you, submit any on-site proof to staff.

While this may not recover your funds, Hack Forums takes blackmail seriously and will act against accounts violating this policy.

🔍 What Happens After I Open a Dispute?

An HF Administrator will review the dispute.

Possible outcomes include:

• Marking the dispute as invalid
• Requesting that the parties attempt resolution
• Account action against one or both parties, including account closure

💰 I Won a Deal Dispute. How Do I Get a Refund?

You do not.

Hack Forums does not escrow payments and never holds user funds.

Only the other party or a third-party middleman can issue a refund.

🤝 Will HF Escrow Payments?

No.

You may choose to use a third-party middleman at your own discretion.

Hack Forums does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee any middleman.

📉 I Have a Negative Credibility That I Think Is Unfair

There is no appeal process.

Credibility are not reviewed for fairness, accuracy, or opinion.

🏷️ Do Vendors Get Disputes or Credibility Removed by Contacting Admin?

Generally, no.

The only circumstance where an Admin will invalidate a dispute or remove negative Credibility is when there is clear abuse of the Contract system.

A common abuse scenario includes:

• Multiple accounts opened to dispute every contract created from vendor templates

This is the most frequent example, but not the only possible form of abuse.

🚫 The Other Party Was Banned. Can My Dispute or Credibility Be Removed?

No.

The banning or closure of the other party does not invalidate disputes or Credibility.

The only exception is for V3ndors where contract system abuse is clearly established.

Bottom line: Deal Disputes are a documentation and enforcement mechanism, not a recovery service.

Protect yourself by using Contracts correctly and understanding the risks before trading.

MyCode

You can use MyCode, a simplified version of HTML, in your posts to create certain effects.

General MyCode

---

[b]This text is bold[/b]
   This text is bold

---

[i]This text is italicized[/i]
   This text is italicized

---

[u]This text is underlined[/u]
   This text is underlined

---

[s]This text is struck out[/s]
   This text is struck out

---

[align=center]This is centered[/align]
   

This is centered

---

[align=right]This is right-aligned[/align]
   

This is right-aligned

---

[font=Comic Sans MS]This is how you change the font[/font]
    This is how you change the font

---

[size=xx-large]This changes text size[/size]
    This changes text size

---

[color=#ff3333]This changes color of text[/color]
   This text is red

---

[img]https://hackforums.net/images/logo/Logo.Cyam.png[/img]
   

---

[url=https://hackforums.net]This is how you hyperlink[/url]
   This is how you hyperlink

---

[spoiler=Click here for description of spoiler]Example spoiler text[/spoiler]
   Click here for description of spoiler (WARNING: Potential SPAM or INFECTED LINK)Example spoiler text

---

[list]
[*]List Item #1
[*]List Item #2
[*]List Item #3
[/list]

• List item #1
• List item #2
• List Item #3

You can make an ordered list by using [list=1] for a numbered, and [list=a] for an alphabetical list.

---

[code]This puts text into code container[/code]
   

Code

This puts text into code container

---

[quote]This puts text into quote container[/quote]
   

Quote:This puts text into quote container

---

[help]
   We recommend you take the time to read the HF Help Documents section. The answer to your questions should be contained in there.

---

[paste]https://pastebin.com/fQAgH1kU[/paste]
   

---

[xmpp][email protected][/xmpp]


   [email protected]

---

[skype]SkypeName[/skype]


    SkypeName

---

[BTC]BTCAddressHere[/BTC]


    Bitcoin: BTCAddressHere

---

[LTC]LTCAddressHere[/LTC]


    LiteCoin: LTCAddressHere

---

[pmme=SUBJECT EXAMPLE]Please PM me from this link. Link Text can be anything.[/pmme]


    Please PM me from this link. Link Text can be anything.

Media MyCode

---

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8axFep0cPk[/video]


   

---

[soundcloud]http://www.soundcloud.com/teamvisionary/logic-under-pressure[/soundcloud]


   

---

[ig]https://www.instagram.com/p/BtXKaWFlhxk/[/ig]


   

---

[x]https://x.com/HackForumsNet/status/947607961186189312[/x]


   

Contract MyCode

---

Thread Auto - This allows TID field to be auto-filled from a post. When this button is posted it will automatically grab the TID from where it is posted.

[contract=tid]Start Contract[/contract]
    Start Contract

---

Blank Contact - This will create a button that will take you to a blank new contract page. No information will be auto-filled.

[contract]Start Contract[/contract]
    Start Contract

---

User Filled - This allows you to auto-fill a UID when the button is clicked. You must supply the UID.

[contract=uid=1]Start Contract[/contract]
    Start Contract

---

User Auto - This allows UID field to be auto-filled from a post. When this button is posted it will automatically grab the UID from whoever posted it.

[contract=uid]Start Contract[/contract]
    Start Contract

---

Thread Filled - This allows you to auto-fill a TID when the button is clicked. You must supply the TID.

[contract=tid=5847344]Start Contract[/contract]
    Start Contract

About Us

ℹ️ About Hack Forums

Hack Forums is a long-standing online community dedicated to the discussion, education, and advancement of technology, cybersecurity, programming, privacy, digital culture, and online entrepreneurship.

Founded in 2007, Hack Forums has grown into one of the internet’s most active and diverse technology-focused discussion platforms. Our community includes everyone from curious beginners to seasoned professionals, all collaborating to share knowledge, explore innovation, and refine their skills.

---

👤 Who Runs Hack Forums?

Hack Forums is owned, operated, and maintained by Jesse LaBrocca, known online as Omniscient.

With over two decades of experience building and managing online communities, Jesse has guided Hack Forums through continuous development, careful moderation, and long-term platform evolution. Under his leadership, Hack Forums has become a unique hybrid of discussion forum, learning environment, and resource hub.

---

🎯 Our Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals to explore technology in a way that is safe, ethical, and creative.

We provide tools, resources, discussion spaces, and mentorship opportunities for those interested in:

• Cybersecurity and ethical hacking
• Programming and scripting
• Artificial Intelligence and large language models (LLMs)
• Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
• Privacy and digital rights
• Web development and system administration
• Online business and monetization

Hack Forums is a learning and discussion platform. We do not support illegal activity.

Our rules, moderation policies, and enforcement practices are designed to maintain ethical standards and lawful participation across the platform.

---

🔍 Our Commitment to Transparency

We believe in clear and open communication with our members and visitors.

To support this, Hack Forums openly provides:

• Clear ownership information and a public moderation team listing
• Published thread authorship and timestamps
• Accessible Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
• Public contact and reporting channels

We encourage responsible participation and welcome constructive feedback.

---

📬 Contact

Have questions, concerns, or need to report an issue?

You may contact us through the official Contact Page.

🏢 Mailing Address:
Hack Forums
PMB #192
6935 N Aliante Pkwy, Suite #104
Las Vegas, NV 89104
United States

Posting a New Topic

When you go to a forum you are interested in and you wish to create a new topic (or thread), simply choose the button at the top and bottom of the forums entitled "New topic". Please take note that you may not have permission to post a new topic in every forum as your administrator may have restricted posting in that forum to staff or archived the forum entirely.

You can also go to our >>QuickThread<< feature. This will assist you with what sections you can choose from and what permissions you have.

Convo

Convo is our live Node.js instant chat system. If you are a non-upgraded member, we require 10 posts in the forums to gain access.

You can gain access HERE.

Below are some of the commands you can use in Convo:

• /stats
  Check your statistics.
• /flip *WAGER*
  Place a Bytes wager on a coin flip.
• /help
  View a list of Convo commands.
• @username@
  Tags a member. Also SHIFT+(click username) shortcut.
• /jackpot play
  Wager 25 Bytes for a chance to win the jackpot.
• /leave
  Leave a multi-user convo.
• /markup
  A cheatsheet for Convo markup.
• /price CRYPTO_SYMBOL
  View the price of cryptocurrencies.
• /rain *MEMBER_COUNT* *BYTES_EACH*
  Send a specific number of Bytes to a set of members.
• /roll LOW:HIGH
  Returns a random number between (and including) the LOW and HIGH values.
• /embed show/hide
  Toggle the display of message embeds in Convo (TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Image links).