Providing users with fake data is never a good idea because it can be, and probably will be, used against you in the long run. Plus no sane evil scrapper uses d

Providing users with fake data is never a good idea because it can be, and probably will be, used against you in the long run. Plus no sane evil scrapper uses default referrer and no masking so misfires are realistically possible within a thin line needed to detect them. In any case, users can do whatever they want with their client and expect the service to work properly. If you detect abuse you should block or captcha them but the fact of them being a possible bot doesn't really call for such drastic measure. It's the second worst approach after serving hindering scripts to them. Disclaimer: I haven't downvoted you as I don't downvote things prompting a discussion.