My meeting with the Steemcleaners

So being new to the site I was completely unaware of the @Steemcleaners ...until yesterday.

Yesterday, "they" left the following comment on my post.

"Hello! Welcome to Steemit.

In order to prevent identity theft, identity deception of all types, and content theft we like to encourage users that have an online identity, post for a website or blog, are creators of art and celebrities of all notoriety to verify themselves. Verified users tend to receive a better reception from the community.

In order to confirm your authorship of the content, please make a mention about Steemit or add a hyperlink to Steemit on your website..."

The rest of the comment included more instructions on how to comply with their request.

Now I'll be the first to say "Hurrah!" I love the fact that there is a method in place on Steemit to keep users from stealing other's copyright content. As a content creator it's frustrating, to find your hard work stolen by someone else. Super frustrating.

On the other hand, it's also kind of scary to have such a cryptic comment left on a post.

My first thoughts:

Who the heck are Steemcleaners?

How did they find my internet identity so quickly?

Did someone flag me?

Is this hurting my already new reputation on Steemit?

Will I have to jump through hoops every time I post an image on Steemit I've used on my website or social media?

I had all those thoughts in the first 20 seconds of reading it, so yes, it's a little bit scary. Even though I read their attached links, I still don't have all the answers.

Since I am the content creator of the questioned image I complied with their requests, so I hope all is good now. I'm just going to have to hope it doesn't happen again.

Does anyone have any insight or dealings with the Steemcleaners? Are they even a "real" thing? I'd love some insight.

Oh, and if you are wondering...yes, the content was found on my website http://krysanthe.com