1. Is there a pattern in usernames that are making these posts?
2. Is there a particular block/range of IP addresses they are posted from?
3. Does the forum software have the ability to block certain strings, and if so, are there other string literals that appear in multiple of the posts that can be filtered on? (Understanding that this may only serve as a temporary barrier.)
4. Are there other commonalities in the posts (user-agent, etc.) that can be examined for patterns to the postings?
5. Is there some form of approval system required for posting in certain areas, or for posters of a certain age/post count that could be enabled? (Understanding that major changes in a forum may spark protests among some users unless handled tactfully.)