@luxeon, it's been clear to me for a long time that everything is related. It is well known that pirated download pages are breeding grounds for malware. It is also evident that 3d markets and especially CGT, are flooded with models coming from these pages and that many modelers use pirated copies of software (coming in many cases from the same pages), to make their original models. They are the first infected, but they are all contributing, probably unknowingly, to its spread. It is an effective way to spread malware, because pirate pages have thousands of visits and not only will the person who downloads files from those pages be infected, but also each and every one of those who buy those models, (or simply open the files to review them , such as CGT).
But I do not think that Autodesk is the objective, it is only the means used (because it is the most widely used), to obtain sensitive data such as credit card numbers and other documents, which are then resold (many times in this same forum) and with those who later make fraudulent purchases (in which the seller ends up losing the model and the money), or phantom sales, (the latter related to other illegal activities such as money laundering or drug sales).
If CGT really wants to crack down on fraud, it cannot ignore that generated by pirated software and should join forces with Autodesk to end it. That, in addition to being the right thing to do, would be a real show of courage, because we all know that it would kill a large part of your business. I also believe that the best thanks are actions, not words, and that sellers could support those who support us, selling our models, exclusively in markets that respect copyright. It is not coherent to support those who do not respect us.
@skapricorn, I agree that counterfeits and illegal copies of jewelry are another important part of the illegal activities that take place here, due to the large number of models involved and therefore the percentage and volume of sales they generate. This does not happen at this level in any other market. They violate copyright law among other laws, attract undesirable customers (counterfeiters, scammers ...), and therefore increase CGT's bad reputation. They should not be allowed, but CGT is tolerant in this regard, even saying "you can sell whatever you want, until we receive a copyright claim."
Again, if CGT is determined to crack down on fraud, it should eliminate all those models, and with them much of its profit, which would also be a brave decision. It remains to be seen if CGT does the right thing, but I don't think they will do it without a push from those affected.
In short, there is still a lot to do if fraud is to be stopped. CGT will be able to demonstrate, if it really supports and respects the modelers or we are just the merchandise with which it does business. Removing a few cheats and then letting them back in isn't much. It is only a small crab step as the end result is that the thieves are still here. It is quite common lately and very embarrassing, to see how cheats are exposed, trying to deny the obvious and how CGT wastes time with them. Which leads me to wonder, when will the famous application that CGT works on be finished, because it is sorely needed.
I hope that CGT will have courage and continue to the end on the path that it has undertaken, addressing the issue of fraud and piracy globally. This would certainly enhance CGT's reputation and make it the best 3d market by far. It would also force the rest of the markets to follow in its footsteps and comply with the rules, or to stay out of the game, becoming confused with pirated pages.