This is an automated archive.
The original was posted on /r/ivpn by /u/gomxgo1702 on 2023-09-01 02:29:48+00:00.
Intro
Tom Spark has been attacking me and r/vpns lately because I won't let him shill on this subreddit. I have gotten tired of the false accusations and spam from him so I've made this post to compile his deceptive behavior. If anyone has additional information about such behavior from him, please share, and I'll update the post accordingly.
Tom Spark might attempt to divert attention from this post by targeting me rather than addressing the concerns raised. It's essential to be wary of fallacious arguments or any other tactics that appear insincere. Also, approach any defenders of Tom Spark with a degree of skepticism, as there's a good possibility they are Tom Spark himself.
Who is Tom Spark?
Tom Spark is a Youtuber who runs the channel Tom Spark's Reviews and vpntierlist.com. He also runs the subreddits r/NetflixViaVPN and r/vpncomparison.
He claims that he's a objective VPN reviewer but in actuality he promotes the VPN that offers him highest affiliate commissions. He is currently shilling TorGuard and will do anything to make affiliate sales including lying, misleading and slandering.
TorGuard
TorGuard is a very shady VPN company that deserves a post of its own. But for now here are some links you can use to learn more about Tom Spark's '#1 VPN':
- TorGuard tries to sue NordVPN for disclosing their own vulnerability to them
- TorGuard stores password in clear text
- TorGuard steals $700 from affiliate user
Alt Accounts
Tom Spark runs a large group of alt accounts on Reddit to shill TorGuard, promote his content/affiliate links and slander individuals he dislikes.
His confirmed main account is u/newslooter.
His known alt accounts are:
- u/Luchalandon - web archive
- u/Lyolyo - web archive
- u/thirstyOx660 - web archive
- u/BotterNotter - web archive
- u/Weekly-Fennel33 - web archive
He might have additional alt accounts. If you're aware of any, please inform me, and I'll include them on the list.
How to Spot a Tom Spark Account
You can easily identify his alt accounts since they usually exhibit the following characteristics:
Promotes TorGuard Relentlessly
His alt accounts shill torguard.
Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4
Posts 'Tom Spark's Reviews' Videos
I've literally never seen anyone promote his videos other then himself. Most of Tom Sparks videos are low quality glorified ads and I have a hard time believing anyone other then himself would share them. I suggest watching them for yourself and see what I'm talking about.
Example 1, Example 2, Example 3
Posts at the Same Time As Tom Spark's Main Account
All these accounts post between around 1am-4pm AEST. Data gathered with Reddit Metis
- Tom Spark's confirmed main u/newslooter:
- u/Luchalandon -
- u/Lyolyo -
- u/thirstyOx660 -
- u/BotterNotter -
- u/Weekly-Fennel33 -
Active in r/vpncomparison (Tom Spark's Subreddit)
Tom Spark's runs the subreddit /r/vpncomparison (head mod is newslooter). The subreddit is a mostly a ghost town. 50%+ of the posts are just Tom Spark videos with 0 comments. But of course Tom Spark is active there with his alt accounts.
Example 1, Example 2, Example 3
Requests VPN Related Subreddits
Tom's Accounts often request VPN related subreddit on r/redditrequest. Probably wants to use them to shill his affiliate links.
Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4
Accounts Are Bought
Tom Spark's alt accounts often shows signs of being bought. For example u/Luchalandon was:
- Mostly posting memes.
- Stopped posting for 2 years
- Came back a few months ago and posted a few comments and gif to get more karma (to make account look real and reach karma posting requirements for subreddits). Post even ended up getting removed for being a recent repost.
- Once he gets a post and a comment with lots of upvotes, the account switches to almost exclusivly promoting TorGuard VPN and posting Tom Spark Review videos.
His other accounts have similar traits.
Hates Techlore
Techlore is a Youtuber who makes videos about privacy and tech. Not sure what the history between Techore and Tom Spark is but he seems to really dislike him.
Tom Spark often links to Tech-Bore. A YouTube channel dedicated to 'calling out' Techlore. I put calling out in quotes because the issues raised are incredibly weak such as forgetting to answer a patreon question lmao. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if Tech-Bore is ran by Tom Sparks since the only accounts who share Tech-Bores videos are Tom Sparks Alts. They are just such good buddies lol .
Example 1, Example 2, Example 3
Hates u/daiqo
u/daiqo is a frequent user of r/VPNTorrents. Daiqo often calls out the shilling done by Tom's alts. This has lead to Tom Spark basically harassing Daiqo. He even accuses Daiqo of having schizophrenia for promotin...
Content cut off. Read original on https://www.reddit.com/r/IVPN/comments/166utf2/psa_tom_spark_is_using_alt_accounts_to_shill_lie/