Heads-Up: Suspicious Links in Requests
To fellow creators: recently, I got a strange message in my inbox. It was a request for dividers with no please, no thanks, just a Pinterest link tossed in at the end. The message read:
In spaces like this, a link isn't always just a link. Sometimes, what looks like an ordinary URL can actually be something called a Canary Token or an IP logger. These tools are hidden inside regular links, and when you click one, they collect information like your IP address and device details. That means the person who sent it knows you interacted with their link, even if everything else seems normal.
If someone ignores your rules and boundaries, chances are it isn't a genuine request. Most of the time, it's just someone testing your reactions or trying to get a response. Over time, you'll start to notice the patterns. When something feels off, trust that feeling. Your instincts are usually right, even before you can explain why.
π§ Here are a few ways to keep your blog safe:
β Be careful with links and look at who is sending them. Respectful followers usually describe what they want or submit an image directly. If you get a vague request that is just a link from someone you don't know, treat it as a security risk. β If you think you might have clicked a tracking link or a Canary Token, reset your router to change your IP address. This helps protect your privacy. β It's also a good idea to write down what happened, just in case. I keep a simple log myself, not because these are a huge threat, but because having the details can help if anything comes up later.
I'm sharing this so other creators, especially if you're new to the resource community, can spot these tactics for what they are. Trust your gut, stick to your boundaries, and remember you never have to reply to anything that feels off.
Keep the work clean. β₯οΈοΈ
