The blue checkmark on Instagram holds a symbol of authenticity and social status, making it a highly coveted attribute for users on the platform. Unfortunately, scammers have exploited the demand for a blue checkmark, making highly targeted fraudulent scams to users and businesses. Recognizing and avoiding Instagram scams like the fake Instagram verification badge scam is essential to protect your online identity when using social media platforms. This article will dive into how spotting fraud online can help fight scams, as well as detail social media phishing scams, fake badge scam alerts, and more.
Understanding Instagram Verification Scams
Instagram verification scams take place when scammers promise Instagram users the ability to get a blue badge, often in exchange for sensitive personal information like their social security number, or even payment. Instagram verification scams emotionally leverage a user’s want for credibility, which can lead to issues like identity theft, account takeovers, and financial loss. Being aware of fake badge scam alerts is one of the first steps you can take to avoid falling into a scammer’s trap.
How Scammers Pull Off Instagram Scams
- Phishing Emails, DMs, and SMS Messages: Scammers will often send emails, DMs, or text messages impersonating Instagram. These messages will contain links to fake websites that either mimic official pages or users. They will urge people to share personal details or to log in through a link.
- Paid Verification Offers: In paid verification offer scams, scammers will claim to offer verification services for a fee. They usually claim they can get the process expedited and a cheap amount. Once they receive payment, they vanish without delivering the promised blue check mark.
- Account Takeovers: Hackers will succeed in account takeover attacks by requesting your login credentials under the pretense of helping to achieve verification. With these credentials, they hijack accounts for malicious activities.
Spotting Fraud: Key Warning Signs
Luckily, some telltale signs make spotting fraud easier. A key warning sign includes unsolicited messages- Instagram does not initiate verification offers and you should consider such an offer as fraudulent. Another sign is a payment request. Verification is free, period. It does not require payment. Suspicious links and poor use of spelling or grammar are also warning signs of fraud. Avoid using suspicious links from unknown sources, and only those that are written professionally without spelling errors.
How to Get an Instagram Verification
There are only two ways a user can get verified with a blue checkmark on Instagram, to request it from the app or to subscribe to Meta Verified. Verifying through the app itself is free and there are no fees required to apply or maintain your verification. However, you do need to provide proof of your notoriety, which could take up to 30 days to process. Subscribing to Meta Verified will enable you to get your blue checkmark more quickly (if you qualify), but does cost a fee. It requires a monthly subscription to maintain your status.
Does a Blue Checkmark Give Extra Security on Instagram Account
So, if you’re wondering, “Does a blue checkmark give extra security on Instagram account,” we can answer that for you. As soon as you become verified with a blue checkmark on Instagram, you’ll be able to access enhanced security features that can help fortify your account. Things like 2FA or customizing your privacy settings will strengthen the security on your account. Besides general security benefits, you’ll also gain the ability to better customize your overall presence on Instagram.
Consequences of Falling for Instagram Verification Scams
There are a seemingly endless amount of consequences for falling for Instagram verification scams. It can be scary, however protecting yourself can ensure that you don’t have to deal with things like financial loss, identity theft, or reputational harm. Using tools like Online Security from ReasonLabs can help stop these threats from taking place and avoid the consequences of identity theft.
Staying Vigilant Against Fake Badge Scams
Staying vigilant against fake badge scams is crucial in a world where impersonation is often used by scammers. You can protect yourself by doing the following:
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Content: This content can include calls, emails, DMs, or even phone calls. If someone contacts you out of the blue and they are pressuring you into sending payment or personal details, it is probably a scam.
- Verify Their Identity: Always take the time to verify the person or page contacting you. Don’t automatically assume that someone or some page is 100% legitimate.
- Don’t Give Away Personal Info: Never give out pieces of information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card numbers, especially under pressure. Again, Instagram does not initiate the request for the blue check mark process.
- Report All Suspicious Activities: If you suspect you've been targeted by a fake badge scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your local law enforcement, and the organization the scammer claimed to represent.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from fake badge scams and avoid becoming a victim of impersonation fraud.
Protecting Yourself from Social Media Phishing Scams
Follow these steps to ensure you are protecting yourself from social media phishing scams and advanced cyber attacks:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Secure your account with 2FA, which requires an additional verification step, such as a code sent to your device or through a biometric program like ID scanning.
- Verify Official Communications: Always take the time to cross-check messages claiming to be from Instagram. You can visit Instagram’s Help Center or its official website for more information on how to do this process.
- Create Strong Passwords: Use a password manager to help create and store complex and unique passwords for your Instagram account. This will greatly reduce the chances that you are protecting yourself from social media phishing scams.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report any fraudulent messages, emails, or profiles directly to Instagram. Doing so will help protect other users from falling victim to the same, or a similar scam.
Instagram verification scams are a considerable threat to your identity and financies. But awareness and caution can help keep you and your family safe.. Recognizing fraud, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting scams are key to maintaining a secure presence anywhere digitally, not just on Instagram. By following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from falling victim to social media phishing scams. Learn more about how ReasonLabs can help safeguard your digital identity and enhance online security.
