General Discussions => Frequently asked questions => Topic started by: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 04:07:12 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Device ban
Post by: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 04:07:12 PM
Post by: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 04:07:12 PM
I didn't expect my first post to be a support request. I'm new to the site and was reading Site Policies during lunch at work from my tablet for around 20 minutes and was notified I was a guest and was spamming the forum and was permanently banned.
I didn't realize I was not logged in with my account and was just reading in general as a guest. I am unable to login at work as it rejects immediately with the ban message.
Now at home I'm ok to read and logged in properly as a user on my computer. My concern is what happens if I try to access the site from my tablet at home? (tablet is currently wifi off). Does it ban my home IP as well and I lose all access? I was using a VPN at work so my browsing isn't captured by the work firewall, (this is allowed by the company). Did it ban the IP at work/VPN or did it ban the device? I did try to access after turning the VPN off and still received the same message.
Is there a way to fix this as I am unsure what direction to go and do not wish to lose access altogether if the tablet triggers a ban at home.
This is a great site and just recently found it. The knowledge curve is very high with all the contributions made by everyone.
Thank you for any guidance you can provide.
(Sorry if this is the incorrect forum location to post this.)
I didn't realize I was not logged in with my account and was just reading in general as a guest. I am unable to login at work as it rejects immediately with the ban message.
Now at home I'm ok to read and logged in properly as a user on my computer. My concern is what happens if I try to access the site from my tablet at home? (tablet is currently wifi off). Does it ban my home IP as well and I lose all access? I was using a VPN at work so my browsing isn't captured by the work firewall, (this is allowed by the company). Did it ban the IP at work/VPN or did it ban the device? I did try to access after turning the VPN off and still received the same message.
Is there a way to fix this as I am unsure what direction to go and do not wish to lose access altogether if the tablet triggers a ban at home.
This is a great site and just recently found it. The knowledge curve is very high with all the contributions made by everyone.
Thank you for any guidance you can provide.
(Sorry if this is the incorrect forum location to post this.)
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 05:44:10 PM
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 05:44:10 PM
@Rochelle
Dear Rochelle:
Before I go into a more lengthy WELCOMING with a Susan's Place message, I first
wish to try assisting you in your problems with logging with your Tablet from your work
using a VPN, and I understand that even when you turned off your VPN at your work, you
still experienced problems.
The fact is that you can successfully log in with your home computer from your home.
Based on the VPN issue that you described I feel confident that with your Tablet you can
successfully log in from your home using your home wifi and home IP.
Please preform that test and then post your reply comment on here on this thread.
If you have problems with your Tablet at your home or any other login issues you can
please try completely clearing your browser and rebooting to see if that corrects the issue.
If you can not login at home with your Tablet and submit a posting you can always
report and submit your success or failure if you login with your home computer or you
can send me a message on my Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
Based on your trials and errors with your Tablet at work and if your Tablet logs in
OK at your home I will have our Forum staff look into what may be happening.
Again Rochelle, you are very WELCOME here, I am glad that you are with us.
I will be eagerly waiting to see how we can assist you with any login issues here
on Susan's Place and the Forum.
Again, I am very happy that you you felt inclined to register as a member. Seeing new
members arrive on the Forum is one of my greatest joys.
Many HUGS and my
Warmest Regards,
Danielle {Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
cc: @Devlyn @Lori Dee @Sarah B @Jessica_Rose @Mariah
Dear Rochelle:
Before I go into a more lengthy WELCOMING with a Susan's Place message, I first
wish to try assisting you in your problems with logging with your Tablet from your work
using a VPN, and I understand that even when you turned off your VPN at your work, you
still experienced problems.
The fact is that you can successfully log in with your home computer from your home.
Based on the VPN issue that you described I feel confident that with your Tablet you can
successfully log in from your home using your home wifi and home IP.
Please preform that test and then post your reply comment on here on this thread.
If you have problems with your Tablet at your home or any other login issues you can
please try completely clearing your browser and rebooting to see if that corrects the issue.
If you can not login at home with your Tablet and submit a posting you can always
report and submit your success or failure if you login with your home computer or you
can send me a message on my Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
Based on your trials and errors with your Tablet at work and if your Tablet logs in
OK at your home I will have our Forum staff look into what may be happening.
Again Rochelle, you are very WELCOME here, I am glad that you are with us.
I will be eagerly waiting to see how we can assist you with any login issues here
on Susan's Place and the Forum.
Again, I am very happy that you you felt inclined to register as a member. Seeing new
members arrive on the Forum is one of my greatest joys.
Many HUGS and my
Warmest Regards,
Danielle {Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
cc: @Devlyn @Lori Dee @Sarah B @Jessica_Rose @Mariah
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Susan on November 03, 2025, 06:24:11 PM
Post by: Susan on November 03, 2025, 06:24:11 PM
Why VPNs and Tor Nodes May Be Blocked
At Susan's Place, our first priority is maintaining a safe, supportive space free from harassment, spam, and abuse. Unfortunately, many attacks on online communities—including ours—originate from VPN services and Tor exit nodes. While these tools have legitimate uses for privacy and security, they are also frequently exploited by spammers and attackers seeking to conceal their identities.
How VPNs and Tor Are Used in Attacks
Automated spambots often use VPNs and Tor to create fake accounts, post advertisements or malicious links, and evade permanent bans. More advanced attackers use them to probe for vulnerabilities, attempt brute-force logins, or harass members while hiding their real locations. Because VPN and Tor exit nodes are shared by thousands of users, one bad actor can cause the entire IP to be blocked across multiple websites.
Our firewall and anti-spam systems continuously filter malicious traffic. While we work to minimize unnecessary restrictions, some VPN IPs inevitably get caught in those protections. Unfortunately, this is sometimes the only way to protect our members and keep the community functioning safely.
Our Policy on VPNs and Tor
If You're Blocked While Using a VPN
If you see a ban message while using a VPN, please don't panic and don't assume you've done anything wrong. In most cases, you've simply connected through an exit node that was previously used for spam or automated attacks. Our system can't tell the difference between a new visitor reading the rules and a spambot probing the forum, so it automatically blocks that IP as a precaution.
After disconnecting from the VPN, your device may still show the ban page. This usually means your browser or app cached the "banned" page rather than loading a new one. That's actually good news—it means the block is tied to the VPN's IP, not your device, home connection, or account. If you can access Susan's Place from your home computer but not from a device that previously used the VPN, your home IP is fine.
To clear a cached ban: turn off the VPN, clear your browser history and cookies, then fully restart the device. Afterward, you should be able to reconnect normally using your home or mobile internet.
To regain access more quickly: if your workplace allows it, switch your VPN to a different country or city. This gives you a new exit IP that's not blocked.
A Real-World Example
Let's say you're browsing Susan's Place as a guest through a work VPN and suddenly see a ban message. You've likely triggered one of our automated anti-spam filters because that particular VPN exit node was flagged due to previous spam or attack activity. The system then blocks that IP to protect our community.
Later, when you go home and still see the ban message on your tablet or phone—even on your home WiFi—that's almost always a cached page. If your home computer can access the site normally, your home IP is fine. Simply clear your browser history and cookies, restart the device, and reconnect over your home WiFi to restore normal access.
If you'd like me to review the specific VPN IP that was blocked and see whether it can be safely removed, please send me a private message with the IPv4 address and the exact ban message. That allows me to identify what triggered the block and determine whether it can be adjusted without compromising security.
You Are Welcome Here
If you encounter one of these filters while trying to read our policies or join the community, please know that you're not in trouble. False positives occasionally happen with any strong anti-spam system. We value your privacy and participation, and we'll make sure you have safe, reliable access going forward—while continuing to protect our members from spam, harassment, and abuse.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out by private message.
— Susan
At Susan's Place, our first priority is maintaining a safe, supportive space free from harassment, spam, and abuse. Unfortunately, many attacks on online communities—including ours—originate from VPN services and Tor exit nodes. While these tools have legitimate uses for privacy and security, they are also frequently exploited by spammers and attackers seeking to conceal their identities.
How VPNs and Tor Are Used in Attacks
Automated spambots often use VPNs and Tor to create fake accounts, post advertisements or malicious links, and evade permanent bans. More advanced attackers use them to probe for vulnerabilities, attempt brute-force logins, or harass members while hiding their real locations. Because VPN and Tor exit nodes are shared by thousands of users, one bad actor can cause the entire IP to be blocked across multiple websites.
Our firewall and anti-spam systems continuously filter malicious traffic. While we work to minimize unnecessary restrictions, some VPN IPs inevitably get caught in those protections. Unfortunately, this is sometimes the only way to protect our members and keep the community functioning safely.
Our Policy on VPNs and Tor
- VPN connections: These are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. When you report a blocked VPN IP, I assess both the severity of the incident that led to the block—such as spam, attacks, or other abusive activity—and how long it has been on the list. Your private message with the VPN's IPv4 address and the exact ban or error message helps me locate the specific rule and determine whether it can be safely adjusted or removed.
- Tor exit nodes: These are permanently blocked without exception. Tor is one of the most heavily abused networks for spam, hacking attempts, and harassment across the internet. Its design makes it impossible to separate legitimate use from malicious activity, so Susan's Place does not and will not allow connections from Tor.
If You're Blocked While Using a VPN
If you see a ban message while using a VPN, please don't panic and don't assume you've done anything wrong. In most cases, you've simply connected through an exit node that was previously used for spam or automated attacks. Our system can't tell the difference between a new visitor reading the rules and a spambot probing the forum, so it automatically blocks that IP as a precaution.
After disconnecting from the VPN, your device may still show the ban page. This usually means your browser or app cached the "banned" page rather than loading a new one. That's actually good news—it means the block is tied to the VPN's IP, not your device, home connection, or account. If you can access Susan's Place from your home computer but not from a device that previously used the VPN, your home IP is fine.
To clear a cached ban: turn off the VPN, clear your browser history and cookies, then fully restart the device. Afterward, you should be able to reconnect normally using your home or mobile internet.
To regain access more quickly: if your workplace allows it, switch your VPN to a different country or city. This gives you a new exit IP that's not blocked.
QuoteIf you're blocked from Susan's Place while using a VPN, please send me a private forum message with:
- Your exact IPv4 address – Connect your VPN first, then visit WhatIsMyIP.com and copy the address shown (it will look like four numbers separated by dots, for example [tt]8.8.8.8[/tt]).
- The full ban or error message you received – Copy the exact wording.
Many VPN exit nodes are widely abused by spammers and may be blocked for everyone using that node. We also maintain older anti-spam ranges that can occasionally catch legitimate traffic. When you send both your IPv4 and the exact ban message, I can pinpoint the trigger and determine whether the block can be safely adjusted.
For privacy, never post your IP publicly—always send it via PM.
Need immediate access? Switch your VPN to a different country or city and log in again, but still PM me the blocked IPv4 and ban message so I can investigate.
Cached bans (credit to tgirlamg/Ashley): The "banned" page can be cached on some phones or browsers. Turn off the VPN, clear your browsing history and cookies, and restart your device. If you still see a ban after disconnecting the VPN, try that sequence before reconnecting—and remember to PM me your IPv4 and ban message so I can look into it.
A Real-World Example
Let's say you're browsing Susan's Place as a guest through a work VPN and suddenly see a ban message. You've likely triggered one of our automated anti-spam filters because that particular VPN exit node was flagged due to previous spam or attack activity. The system then blocks that IP to protect our community.
Later, when you go home and still see the ban message on your tablet or phone—even on your home WiFi—that's almost always a cached page. If your home computer can access the site normally, your home IP is fine. Simply clear your browser history and cookies, restart the device, and reconnect over your home WiFi to restore normal access.
If you'd like me to review the specific VPN IP that was blocked and see whether it can be safely removed, please send me a private message with the IPv4 address and the exact ban message. That allows me to identify what triggered the block and determine whether it can be adjusted without compromising security.
You Are Welcome Here
If you encounter one of these filters while trying to read our policies or join the community, please know that you're not in trouble. False positives occasionally happen with any strong anti-spam system. We value your privacy and participation, and we'll make sure you have safe, reliable access going forward—while continuing to protect our members from spam, harassment, and abuse.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out by private message.
— Susan
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 06:44:49 PM
Post by: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 06:44:49 PM
Good news. Cleared everything in tablet browser, rebooted and logs in fine, from home. Will try again from work tomorrow. Danielle, I copied your email to a note incase I mess up along the line and ban myself during the testing. Thank you both so much for the help. 🫶🏻
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Lori Dee on November 03, 2025, 07:20:19 PM
Post by: Lori Dee on November 03, 2025, 07:20:19 PM
Quote from: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 06:44:49 PMDanielle, I copied your email to a note incase I mess up along the line and ban myself during the testing.
If you see the ban message, you didn't ban yourself. It is saying you can't access the site from that IP address because the IP is banned (blocked). If that happens, go to https://www.whatsmyip.org/ at the top of the page it will tell you what your IP address is at that location. That is the address we need so we can check to find where it is being blocked. Send that address to Danielle or Susan, so we can get you connected.
BTW, welcome to Susan's Place!
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 07:24:19 PM
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 07:24:19 PM
@Rochelle
Dear Rochelle:
Thank you for posting your very GOOD NEWS regarding your test results and being able to
log into the Forum from your home with your Tablet.
Please, if you have further issues or problems, Susan and I and the rest of the staff
here on the Forum want to hear about it so we can assist you again with solutions.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
cc: @Susan @Lori Dee @Sarah B @Devlyn @Jessica_Rose @Mariah
Dear Rochelle:
Thank you for posting your very GOOD NEWS regarding your test results and being able to
log into the Forum from your home with your Tablet.
Please, if you have further issues or problems, Susan and I and the rest of the staff
here on the Forum want to hear about it so we can assist you again with solutions.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
cc: @Susan @Lori Dee @Sarah B @Devlyn @Jessica_Rose @Mariah
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 07:51:29 PM
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 07:51:29 PM
@Rochelle
Dear Rochelle:
I am so very glad that you felt led to register as a member.
I am always so happy see new members arrive here on the Susan's Place Forum.
NOW that your login problem appears to be solved, I am giving you my warm WELCOME
message.
As you feel the freedom to share and post more of your thoughts here, you will undoubtedly find
like-minded members here that may become your Forum friends.
This website is huge, with a lot of information from Real People who have lived through these things for decades.
There is much wisdom here. Feel free to browse, learn, and share your experiences too. We all learn from each other.
Clicking the HOME (https://www.susans.org/index.php) Button on any page will take you to where you can see and visit the many
sub-forums and TOPICS here on the Forum and you can feel free to comment and share your experiences.
Each sub-forum has a description of what that sub-forum board is about, as well as any guidelines for posting.
Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.
Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.
You will find the Forum to be a Safe, Friendly and Accepting place that you can share
whatever is on you mind... it is your safe refuge.... without any judgement from our members.
If you have any immediate questions regarding the Forum please feel free to contact me at
my Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
My Warmest Regards,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
Note: Please be certain to take the time to look over the following LINKS, especially the Links in RED, that
will inform you of the important Rules here on the Forum that will help you to navigate safely around our site.
Things that you should read
cc: @Lori Dee @Sarah B @Devlyn @Jessica_Rose @Mariah
@Susan
Dear Rochelle:
I am so very glad that you felt led to register as a member.
I am always so happy see new members arrive here on the Susan's Place Forum.
NOW that your login problem appears to be solved, I am giving you my warm WELCOME
message.
As you feel the freedom to share and post more of your thoughts here, you will undoubtedly find
like-minded members here that may become your Forum friends.
This website is huge, with a lot of information from Real People who have lived through these things for decades.
There is much wisdom here. Feel free to browse, learn, and share your experiences too. We all learn from each other.
Clicking the HOME (https://www.susans.org/index.php) Button on any page will take you to where you can see and visit the many
sub-forums and TOPICS here on the Forum and you can feel free to comment and share your experiences.
Each sub-forum has a description of what that sub-forum board is about, as well as any guidelines for posting.
Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.
Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.
You will find the Forum to be a Safe, Friendly and Accepting place that you can share
whatever is on you mind... it is your safe refuge.... without any judgement from our members.
If you have any immediate questions regarding the Forum please feel free to contact me at
my Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
My Warmest Regards,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
Note: Please be certain to take the time to look over the following LINKS, especially the Links in RED, that
will inform you of the important Rules here on the Forum that will help you to navigate safely around our site.
Things that you should read
- Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,2.0.html)
- Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,54369.0.html)
- Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,114.0.html.)
- News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,174951.0.html)
- Photo, avatars, & signature images (https://www.susans.org//index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866)
- Site Policies and stuff to remember (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,492.0.html)
- Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,82221.0.html)
- Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,216851.0.html)
cc: @Lori Dee @Sarah B @Devlyn @Jessica_Rose @Mariah
@Susan
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Sarah B on November 03, 2025, 07:53:50 PM
Post by: Sarah B on November 03, 2025, 07:53:50 PM
Hi Rochelle
Just a short note on this issue, whether you use a VPN or just a normal ISP IP number then the IP number is allocated automatically. Unless you fix that IP number yourself.
You are seeing the "spam ban" message because that IP is blocked. If you can determine what your IP number is when you receive the "spam ban" message. Then our files can be updated accordingly.
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Northern Star Girl @Devlyn @Jessica_Rose @Mariah @Lori Dee
Just a short note on this issue, whether you use a VPN or just a normal ISP IP number then the IP number is allocated automatically. Unless you fix that IP number yourself.
You are seeing the "spam ban" message because that IP is blocked. If you can determine what your IP number is when you receive the "spam ban" message. Then our files can be updated accordingly.
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Northern Star Girl @Devlyn @Jessica_Rose @Mariah @Lori Dee
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 08:21:28 PM
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 03, 2025, 08:21:28 PM
@Rochelle
Dear Rochelle:
ONE MORE THING
If you feel so inclined please find your way to the INTRODUCTIONS Forum Board
https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=8.0
and tell us a little about yourself and what brought you here to become a member of the Susan's Place Forum.
HUGS, Danielle
Dear Rochelle:
ONE MORE THING
If you feel so inclined please find your way to the INTRODUCTIONS Forum Board
https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=8.0
and tell us a little about yourself and what brought you here to become a member of the Susan's Place Forum.
HUGS, Danielle
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 08:26:25 PM
Post by: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 08:26:25 PM
So suprise note, I work as an IT Manager in the medical career field. I do understand everything spoken about here for the suggestions you've provided and tried several of the things provided here prior to reaching out. The only thing I didn't do was the reboot after clearing the browser settings on the tablet. Just affirms you can always learn from others. 🙂
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Lori Dee on November 03, 2025, 08:35:37 PM
Post by: Lori Dee on November 03, 2025, 08:35:37 PM
Quote from: Rochelle on November 03, 2025, 08:26:25 PMSo suprise note, I work as an IT Manager in the medical career field. I do understand everything spoken about here for the suggestions you've provided and tried several of the things provided here prior to reaching out. The only thing I didn't do was the reboot after clearing the browser settings on the tablet. Just affirms you can always learn from others. 🙂
I did manage to find a minor issue within the same range as an IP that you have used before. I have cleared that issue. It may not be THE issue that was preventing you from accessing the site, but it is possible. If you still have problems, be sure to note what IP address you are attempting to connect with, and we can track it down.
@Northern Star Girl
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Sarah B on November 03, 2025, 09:41:12 PM
Post by: Sarah B on November 03, 2025, 09:41:12 PM
Hi Everyone
Yeah those pesky "Gremlins" will haunt or cause you trouble, if you don't take care of them.
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Rochelle @Lori Dee @Northern Star Girl
Yeah those pesky "Gremlins" will haunt or cause you trouble, if you don't take care of them.
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Rochelle @Lori Dee @Northern Star Girl
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Rochelle on November 04, 2025, 06:07:21 AM
Post by: Rochelle on November 04, 2025, 06:07:21 AM
At work and connected with VPN. I'll ensure I'm logged in going forward so the system sees me properly and not as a guest. Thank you all for the support.
Title: Re: Device ban
Post by: Lori Dee on November 04, 2025, 08:27:06 AM
Post by: Lori Dee on November 04, 2025, 08:27:06 AM
Quote from: Rochelle on Yesterday at 06:07:21 AMAt work and connected with VPN. I'll ensure I'm logged in going forward so the system sees me properly and not as a guest. Thank you all for the support.
So glad you can connect now. If you ever have problems in the future, reach out so we can get to work on it right away.
Welcome to Susan's Place!
@Northern Star Girl