Contact Form Abuse

[YankeeJim]

I have client that uses contact form on contact page (in addition to email, phone, etc). 70%-80% of the people who use the form are either job seekers or suppliers wishing to sell to the company. The page is very clear that form is for sales-related inquiries. Also, there is visible instructions on what job seekers and suppliers should do (a special email is provided for each of these types of visitors). We even say on page that if form is used for non sales inquiries that the message will not reach the right person. Site built in Lotus Domino.

Is there a solution? Thanks

[Logan]

Hi Jim. Good to see you! Instead of providing visible instructions, I would add a pull down menu field within the form which forces them to select the type of inquiry they are making. If they do not make a "type of inquiry" selection, then prompt them to before the form can be submitted. Then based on that send the completed form to the correct email address.

[YankeeJim]

Thanks, Logan. I like this idea. Let's see if it works. -- Jim

[acwebguru]

I think true spammers will eventually innovate new plans for deriding your attempt. Good luck in advance.

[Logan]

I don't disagree. But my logic, based on Jim's post, is that the first step is to match the type of inquiry with the right email. I go by the rule of thumb that people don't read, so when he says that they have visual instructions what people should do ... I think the first step is to incorporate that into the form so users are providing them with the information needed to manage the communication. A pull down menu isn't going to stop any spammer, imo, but those are issues to resolve further once the needed information is being submitted within the form.

Jim, you're welcome, keep us posted!