This article covers guidance for the PEC-AB-0003 error message. You can find guidance for our other error codes in PEC errors.
What does it mean?
You're using a VPN, proxy, or private relay, tools used to anonymize web browsing, which aren't allowed on Prolific. Your workplace, university, or public Wi-Fi could be using one of these, and so can an ad or pop-up blocker, or a 5G network with a VPN installed.
If you've seen this error, an automatic hold has been placed on your account.
What can I do?
Contact us using the chatbot icon in the bottom right of your screen, and confirm you understand you can't use VPNs, private relays, proxies, or other anonymizing tools while using Prolific, this is what removes the hold
Make sure you don't use any of these while taking part in studies going forward, if it happens again, your account could be placed on hold permanently
If you're not aware of using a VPN, check your browser and device settings for anything automatically enabled, such as iCloud Private Relay on Apple devices