ViralSweep’s spam filter is enabled by default on every promotion to help protect you from bots, cheaters, and fake entries.
The recommended setting is High, which limits entries to one per IP address. This aligns with most official rules (one entry per household), but it may prevent multiple people in the same household from entering.
Importantly, the spam filter does not affect bonus entries—users can still earn additional entries through your configured actions.
Why the spam filter matters
Spam and bot activity is more common than you might expect. Without protection, promotions can receive thousands of fake entries.
Our system helps prevent this by:
Blocking suspicious or duplicate entries
Detecting bot-like behavior (e.g., sudden spikes or repeated data patterns)
Keeping your entrant data clean and reliable
Even if you adjust your spam filter settings, additional protections run in the background and cannot be disabled.
Where blocked entries go
If an entry is flagged:
It’s moved to the Invalid section under the Entrants tab
Invalid entries are stored for 180 days
You can manually validate entries if needed before they’re deleted
Your exports and analytics will only include valid entries, so you don’t have to filter out spam manually.
How to change spam filter settings
To adjust your spam filter:
Edit → Advanced → Spam Filter
You’ll see the following options:
High – 1 entry per IP address
Medium – 3 entries per IP address
Low – 5 entries per IP address
Off – Unlimited entries per IP address
Events – Accept all entries from one IP, disable cookies and bonus entries
When should I use each setting?
Use High (recommended)
Best for most promotions where you want strong protection against spam.
Use Off
Choose this if:
Multiple users will enter from the same IP (e.g., offices, shared networks)
Participants are using their own devices
You still want bonus entries to work
Use Events
Use this when collecting entries on a single shared device, such as:
Trade shows or live events
In-store kiosks or iPads
Internal company campaigns
Important:
Cookies are disabled in this mode
You can refresh the form after each entry for the next participant
Bonus entries and social actions will not be tracked
Recognizing bot activity
Keep an eye out for patterns like:
Sudden spikes in entries within a short time
Multiple entries from the same IP or email domain
Repetitive or suspicious data patterns
Troubleshooting suspected bot entries
If you think bots are affecting your promotion:
Go to the Entrants → Invalid section
Review flagged submissions
Look for unusual patterns or sources
Contact support if you need help investigating further
Need help?
If you have questions or want help reviewing entries, reach out to our support team by clicking the chat icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.