📜 Hack Forums Rules

By using Hack Forums, you agree to follow these rules. Violations may result in warnings, content removal, account restrictions, or permanent bans.

1. No direct links to infected or malicious downloads.
   Do not post or link directly to known malware, infected files, or malicious downloads in posts, profiles, or signatures.
2. No posting of personal information that is not your own.
   Privacy must be respected at all times. This includes passwords, login credentials, private data, doxxing material, or database dumps containing personal information.
3. No adult or pornographic content.
   Adult images, videos, or links to adult websites are not permitted anywhere on the forum.
4. One account per user.
   Only one active Hack Forums account is allowed. Multiple accounts are prohibited unless reporting a compromised account or rejoining after an automatic closure due to inactivity. Ban evasion will result in permanent closure of all related accounts. No exceptions.
5. No advertising of competing sites.
   Advertising competing communities or forums with similar structure or purpose to Hack Forums is not allowed. This includes posts, signatures, profiles, private messages, and external links.
6. No posting of fake or deceptive programs.
   Software, tools, or downloads intended to deceive, mislead, or falsely claim functionality are prohibited.
7. No donation begging or fundraising threads.
   This includes requests for donations, loans, investors, or financial assistance of any kind.
8. Follow forum-specific rules.
   You must read and comply with all additional rules posted in individual forum headers and in the Profile Policies & Rules help document.
9. Marketplace activity is restricted to the Marketplace.
   Marketplace-style threads may only be posted in the Marketplace category under the Market tab. All Marketplace Rules and Policies must be followed. The Marketplace Discussions forum and its subforums are not intended for active sales or service advertisements.
10. Off-site contact methods are restricted.
    Posting off-site contact information (including email, Discord, Telegram, or similar platforms) is not permitted for non-upgraded members. Only members in the Vendor group may advertise or post Discord channels.
11. Disallowed Blackhat activities are prohibited.
    All users must comply with the Disallowed Blackhat Activity list. Restricted activities may not be discussed, promoted, or facilitated.
12. Popularity comments must not involve Marketplace activity.
    Popularity comments may not reference Marketplace transactions, services, or disputes, whether positive or negative. This includes calling users scammers, trusted, or commenting on products or services.

✍️ Posting Etiquette

In addition to the rules above, users are expected to follow basic posting standards to maintain readability and organization across the forum.

1. Post in the correct category.
   Threads and replies must be placed in the most appropriate forum section.
2. Use proper grammar and punctuation.
   Posts should be readable. Use capitalization and punctuation where appropriate.
3. Do not double post.
   Posting multiple consecutive replies instead of editing your previous post is not allowed.
4. Do not cross post.
   Do not repeat the same or substantially similar content across multiple threads or forums.
5. No leaked content.
   Do not post content taken from another source without permission or proper attribution.
6. Use clear and relevant thread titles.
   Thread subjects must accurately describe the content. Vague or low-effort titles are not acceptable.
7. Credit original sources.
   When sharing content from another website, credit the source and link to the original material. Content from competing forums should not be reposted.

Failure to follow these rules or etiquette guidelines may result in moderation action at staff discretion.