From phony text messages to fake surveys to suspicious social media accounts, this guide covers how to identify a scammer's handiworkno matter the form it takes. 2. Is it too sudden? Red Points Can help protect your brand from cybersquatting in three simple steps: In this article, we have discussed how to protect businesses from cybercriminals impersonating them on social media, and especially how to identify and report these fake profiles to request takedowns. You can also study profile pictures for hints (to learn more about spotting manipulated images, see the explainer in this series), provided one is available. Keep an eye on your teens. It is against Facebook's terms and conditions to make a fake account. Mike Khorev has spent over a decade in the IT industry, specializing in emerging technologies, brand protection and intellectual property issues. You might have seen some of these imposter accounts as you scrolled through your social media feeds or checked your DMs. Get the latest strategies to protect your revenue in your inbox. Francesca Gariano is a New York City-based freelance journalist reporting on culture, entertainment, beauty, lifestyle and wellness. Does the account lack a profile picture? Neither account seems particularly authentic. So far in 2021, Facebook has taken down nearly 1.3 billion fake accounts, Robert Traynham, head of public affairs at Facebook, told TODAY. Bad bots can distort reality by amplifying certain political opinions on social media platforms, and drawing artificial attention to certain issuesby repeatedly sharing falsehoods or disinformation and undermining constructive online debate. In some jurisdictions, it would be illegal to make a fake Facebook profile of a real, existing person when you are not that person, as there is a risk of impersonating the other person in a way that might exploit them or harm or damage their reputation. If they do, then youre probably dealing with a troll. A fake account is a good shill for getting free pornographic material that then gets passed around online. Check any links they've provided to personal websites, social media pages, etc., to help you to see if things add up. Fortunately, by now most major social media platforms are aware of this threat. Obviously, Instagrams popularity and the fact that creating new accounts on Instagram is very easy and free have also invited bad actors into the platform. How to spot fake social media accounts and internet trolls 1. Trolls are often paid to harass celebrities, public figures, or media organizations. Instagram offers a dedicated Trademark report form (as well as a copyright report form) for businesses whose IPs are being infringed through impersonation, and you can use it by following these steps: If the account you are reporting is also selling counterfeit goods, choose Ive found content that I believe offers counterfeit goods at the beginning of the form, or go here: https://help.instagram.com/contact/751729384978711 (Counterfeit Report Form). How do you guard against predators like that? Weird Online Behavior: If you notice a single social media account publishing similar and/or crude content across several platforms or underneath several posts, its probably a bot. If they determine that the reported account is, in fact, fake, they will deactivate or ban the account from the platform. Speak to a media/communications lawyer in your state or country if youre unsure about how to proceed within the boundaries of the law. This evidence must prove that harassment and damages exist. How likely is it that Taylor Swift has 3,857 Twitter followers? You will see this symbol on the profile pages of politicians and celebrities. Defend Your Data: Use these tips to identify fake social media accounts
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