Topic: eBay Links Routed Through "infopicked.com" and "swagbucks.com"

[StockRider]

Why does following some links on this forum route traffic through 3rd party ad/malware/cashback sites?

Example, the eBay link in this post: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,185874.msg2153564.html#msg2153564

When I click the link in that post it sends me to:

• p406575.infopicked.com, then:
• https://www.swagbucks.com/cashback-redirect?merchant=1635&cmp=2280&cxid=1635&aff_sid=84551940301, then:
• eBay home page, not the actual item.

If I cut and paste the eBay URL then I get straight to the item.

It doesn't happen for every link so I don't think it is a local infection of my browser/PC. Anybody else notice this issue?

[Alan F.]

Same experience for me using Chrome browser. I'm not enjoying it.

[StockRider]

I have tested this on three different browsers(Chrome, Firefox, & Edge) and on different platforms/devices.

It has the feeling of an affiliate links program (eBay Partner Networks, etc.) but I am not familiar with how those work.

I'm not saying that this is what is happening but..., I wouldn't mind if the forum is creating revenue to cover costs by being a part of an affiliate program. However, when links are broken and they don't get to the item that is being supplied as an answer to a question then the purpose of the forum is defeated. And, an affiliate program association, by the forum or a member, should be disclosed in my opinion.

[StockRider]

Link Trace attached.

[Glenn Stauffer]

Still the same behavior?  I disabled an old plugin that might have been responsible.

Why does following some links on this forum route traffic through 3rd party ad/malware/cashback sites?

Example, the eBay link in this post: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,185874.msg2153564.html#msg2153564

When I click the link in that post it sends me to:

• p406575.infopicked.com, then:
• https://www.swagbucks.com/cashback-redirect?merchant=1635&cmp=2280&cxid=1635&aff_sid=84551940301, then:
• eBay home page, not the actual item.

If I cut and paste the eBay URL then I get straight to the item.

It doesn't happen for every link so I don't think it is a local infection of my browser/PC. Anybody else notice this issue?

[StockRider]

Thanks Glenn! It looks like that got it. I tried three different eBay links in the forums that I haven't clicked before and all three went straight to the item listing. Thanks again!

[Alan F.]

Looks like it's working normally again for me too. I just clicked on the link in this thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=185944.0;topicseen and went directly to the item..... For the first time in a little while.

Thanks for looking into this and taking action.