Unfortunately, websites that may offer a free sign-up option for a public listing or profile are susceptible to unwanted sign-ups, this is quite common on the internet and usually comes from SEO companies trying to get their clients links on other sites.
Block IP Addresses
Navigate to Members >> Search Members and identify the IP Joined from the unwanted listing.
Block the IP and delete the listings created by that IP. This step usually gets rid of the unwanted sign-ups:
Block An IP Address From The Website
Require Admin Moderation
Require admin moderation for all free sign-ups under the Finance >> Membership Plans >> Edit:
More information about this process can be found in the article below:
Manually Approve New Member Signups
Remove Website Links and Social Media Links from Free Membership Plans
Allowing free members to add links to their profiles creates an easy target for SEO spammers. Their main goal is not to participate in the community but to place backlinks to their own sites in an attempt to boost search engine rankings. This can clutter a directory with low-quality profiles and damage the overall credibility of the platform in the eyes of search engines and genuine visitors.
Restricting website and social media links from free membership tiers removes the incentive for spam signups. Link privileges can then be reserved for paid plans, where members have a real interest in showcasing their businesses. This keeps the directory cleaner, protects site reputation, and increases the value of premium memberships.
Remove Free Membership Plans
Another option is to remove the Free plans, and charge $1 to join the basic level. This will stop all free sign-ups since now there is no free sign-up option and it's required to pay a nominal $1 to join the site with a listing.
Customize the URLs for Checkout Pages
Leaving all membership plans with the default checkout URLs (such as “checkout/1,” “checkout/2,” and so on) makes it easy for spammers to guess links by simply changing the numbers in order. If those hidden or legacy free plans still exist, spammers can stumble across them and sign up even when they’re not meant to be publicly available.
Customizing the checkout URLs for free membership plans helps prevent this type of automated abuse. By using unique, non-sequential URLs, the chances of spammers guessing the right link are greatly reduced. This simple step keeps inactive or restricted plans from being exploited and ensures that only the intended membership options are accessible.
Customize the URL of the checkout URL for the free membership plans. Edit Checkout Pages: How To Edit Checkout URL
Block Traffic by Country
Use the Block Traffic by Country to minimize the SPAM from other countries.
Choose which of these strategies will assist with combating unwanted sign-ups from joining a site with a free membership option.
