I've noticed a disturbing trend.

I've had many recent submissions favorited by new users. The users typically have only 3 or 4 uploads which looks either "amateurish" or decidely like web-copies of stock photography. These users are favoriting hundreds upon hundreds of images

In one case, the user replied to many comments asking people to visit a link to check out her "Photoshop Book." Almost every reply looks copy/pasted.
This is one of the users, the deviation, and her replies can be seen further down in the commentary.

Link to deviation with comments: [link]

The link leads to a download service called "UploadPay." It uses some questionable javascript to download what they claim is a PDF file.

It may very well be a PDF file, and it could be completely harmless, but it seems suspicious!

Consider the following:

1. Always use caution following external links urging you to download anything!

2. Use caution when downloading unknown files from unknown sources. Especially when the download link is based on javascript!

3. Keep your Adobe Acrobat reader up to date, directly from Adobe, or the application itself!

4. Report suspicious links, or investigate via a trusted third-party virus/malware/malware information site.

5. Be aware that this could be a new trend in advertising, or propagating malware.

6. Report suspicious activty to DeviantART to help protect the rest of the community.


Stay creative, and stay safe!

-Mark