FAQ: Reporting Suspected Alternate Accounts on MESO-Rx
What is an alternate account?
An alternate account is a second or additional account operated by the same person without disclosure. On MESO-Rx, alternate accounts become a serious issue when they are used to manipulate discussion, promote or defend a source, or discredit competitors while pretending to be an independent member.
Why are alternate accounts a problem on MESO-Rx?
MESO-Rx relies on honest, independent participation to support harm reduction. When one person uses multiple accounts, it creates a false sense of consensus, misleads readers, and undermines accountability. In discussions involving underground markets, this kind of manipulation can increase health, financial, and safety risks.
What kinds of behavior should I watch for?
Suspicious behavior usually involves patterns rather than single posts. Examples include repeated praise of one source, coordinated defense during complaints, accounts that mainly attack competitors, or multiple accounts that consistently support each other in the same discussions. Seeing several of these behaviors together is a good reason to report.
Who typically uses alternate accounts?
Alternate accounts are most commonly associated with sources or source-adjacent individuals attempting to influence perception. However, any member using undisclosed alternate accounts to manipulate discussion violates forum rules, regardless of their role.
When should I report something?
If something feels coordinated, unnatural, or inconsistent with normal participation, it is appropriate to report it. You do not need certainty. When in doubt, report and let moderators investigate.
Do I need proof before reporting?
No. You do not need proof or certainty. A good-faith suspicion is enough to alert moderators so they can review broader patterns that individual members cannot see.
What if I report someone and I am wrong?
There is no penalty for being wrong. Reporting a concern is not an accusation and does not trigger automatic action. If no issue is found, nothing happens to the reported member and there are no consequences for the person who reported.
Are reports confidential?
Yes. All reports are handled privately by the moderation team. Your identity is never disclosed to the reported party, and reports are not made public.
Will the reported member know I reported them?
No. Members are not told who submitted a report. Any moderation action taken is based on internal review and policy, not on individual reports.
What happens after I submit a report?
Moderators may quietly review posting history, behavioral patterns, timing, coordination across accounts, and participation overlap in source-related discussions. Action is taken only when a broader pattern is confirmed. A single report does not determine outcomes.
Is reporting the same as accusing someone?
No. Reporting is simply a way to alert moderators to something that may need review. It is not a public accusation and does not imply guilt.
Why is reporting important for harm reduction?
Alternate accounts distort discussion and can hide real risks. Reporting helps protect newer members, supports fair discussion, and keeps MESO-Rx independent and trustworthy. It is a form of harm reduction, not punishment.
How do I report a suspected alternate account?
You can report a suspected alternate account by using the Report button on any post or profile and briefly explaining your concern. You may also contact the MESO-Rx moderation team directly if the situation involves multiple posts or accounts.
You do not need to build a case or provide evidence. Simply describe what you noticed so moderators can review the broader context.
You do not need to build a case or provide evidence. Simply describe what you noticed so moderators can review the broader context.
