This is my own sad story in using free plugins from WordPress plugins directory since starting a new blog and I think there have been a lot of new and experienced bloggers who have suffered from this kind of black hat trick from a bad developer. Many of you think that using only plugins that are included in WordPress plugin directory is safe? No, not really!
WP Status Notifier plugin came to me when I received a auto message from FamousBloggers.net informing me that my guest article was approved. I saw the credit link in that message and I thought that it would be nice to use this plugin when my blog is open for guest posting but It was wrong as this plugin was a damn or rubbish thing that we should never use forever.
I would not blame Hesham from FamousBloggers.net for this as he could be a victim like me and his blog might not be affected if its blogroll widget was turned off. However, no one could guarantee that what this plugin creator can do to fool you in the future. So, my advice is to forget this plugin and find other reliable alternatives.
How does this plugin steal your backlinks?
Most of multi-author blogs need a tool that can send notifications to guest bloggers when their articles are approved or rejected but we will never know that there are still bad tools out there that can steal your backlinks without your permission. I have been a victim of this plugin. It should be considered a backlinks theft!
This plugin is still in WordPress plugin directory and when you install it and activate it, you will see a strange link showing up in your blogroll in sidebar or footer, wherever you have blogroll widgets installed. You can think simply that you can go to links management and delete it? I have done this several times but it show up again after one or two days. At that time, I thought my blog had been hacked then I decided to scan all themes and plugins and database without any security warnings.
My solution was that I went through all plugins installed looking for the link that showed up in my blogroll and knew that WP Status Notifier was the one to cause this. I immediately deactivated it and never saw that link showing up again in my blogroll. Googling the name of that plugin, I found out that there are many bloggers and webmasters who have suffered from it too.
There is one topic on WordPress Support Forum regarding this issue but no actions taken from WordPress team yet. I think WordPress should have a reporting form in any plugin so users can report if they find out security issues.
So, I would recommend you all not using this plugin or any plugins developed and shared by iDope and not all plugins verified by WordPress are secure and safe. You are the one who can verify whatever you want to use.
If you are still looking for a plugin that has same features, let’s try this by Peter at: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/peters-collaboration-e-mails/
I want your help to retweet this or spread out my message to your readers or friends about this plugin and never use any plugins from iDope. Thank you!
About Tinh Tran
Just consider and testing the plugin before active it to prevent unwanted features !
There is still a way to fix it, check the link to WordPress forum in my post to get that code but I would recommend not using it instead of Peter. Great alternative
Wow that’s some scary stuff. I guess I am quite naive when it comes to wp plugins. Always figured if wp allows it, it must be safe. Reminds me I must make more backups regularly.
Thanks for the warning about this plugin. Keep up the good work.
You are welcome. I actually did not notice this until it automatically added links to my site. That’s why its homepage now has PR6
I heard this plugin before bit i have not used this yet
You should never use it too. There is another one which is better and safe
Oh, thanks for let us know, Tinh.
I hate these kinds of plugins, there are many plugins stealing backlinks from our sites. Some we can’t know because the links only are visible on search engines.
I am thinking this kind of post is a reaction to the hacaking of your other blog…anyway thanks for the head and more this kind of post about unwholesome plugin not even the ones in wordpress directory!
Oh God! how terrific. Do you know, I still don’t know what plugin is causing me harm. I should learn many things about this technology. Hey, can you suggest me some trusted free plugins. I would be a great help for me.
Yes, I can mate
Shoot me a message and tell me what would you like then I cab suggest. My advice to all readers is that you should check WP Support Forum to see whether your installed plugins are secure or not 
Thanks, I have already posted a message to you. And hope to get some nice tips from you. And specially thanks for your modesty, amiability and helping attitude. I must join WP Support Forum ASAP. See you again.
I got it and also replied to you too. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to shoot me another message
Thanks for notifying this, thanks once again!