Technically this might not be classed as a programming question, since I have already implemented a solution. But it's an interesting issue in the tech field nonetheless.
Anyway... I set up a basic contact form, without any spam protection. On discovering that it wasn't working, I ignored it and set up a Javascript to change all links pointing to the contact page to use mailto: links instead. (I intended to replace the form with an appropriate message about contacting me.) I discovered yesterday that the form is now suddenly working, because I'm getting spam from it. Here's an example:
Message received from contact form.
Name: pvenvoqks
Email: [email protected]Message: Mx7orZ iafgvohkzxmv, [url=http://wxmrsloamyhf.com/]wxmrsloamyhf[/url], [link=http://gloukuwmttnj.com/]gloukuwmttnj[/link], http://vmekxmqouktx.com/
It's obviously just gibberish. I checked the links and they don't work. It seems like there is a robot just submitting random data in forms - although note that it managed to pick up that an email should be submitted in the appropriate field.
My question is, is this spam trying to serve a purpose? I would understand if the links led to real websites for viagra or malware or something, but they don't. It just seems totally random.
Aside: if anyone is interested, I used the "hidden field" solution to combat the spam. I used a hidden field called "Website", which, if filled in, does not send the email.