In the past few months, Meta launched the US Meta Verified program. However, scammers have found a new tactic to deceive users on Facebook and Instagram, by using verified accounts. According to reports, scammers have been using fake accounts to pose as support staff and have been targeting users through direct messages. These fake accounts are often convincing, as they use the same profile picture and name as the real support staff.
Once the user falls for the scam, the fake support staff ask for the user’s login credentials, claiming they need to access the account to fix an issue. With access to the account, scammers can then make unauthorized purchases or post content without the user’s knowledge.
This type of scam is particularly concerning because the use of verified accounts adds a level of legitimacy to the scam, making it harder for users to identify that they are being targeted. To avoid falling for these scams, it’s important to always be cautious when sharing personal information online, and to verify the legitimacy of any support staff contacting you through direct messages.
Facebook and Instagram have urged their users to report any suspicious activity and to utilize the platforms’ two-factor authentication feature for added security. It’s important to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent scammers from successfully duping users through these types of scams.
Scammers using verified accounts on Facebook and Instagram to dupe users was made known on 5 May 2023.
Implications to Marketers:
Marketers can use this news to educate their audience about the risks of interacting with fake or fraudulent accounts on social media. They can also emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any support staff reaching out through direct messages and encourage users to report any suspicious activity. This can help build trust with their audience and promote a safer online community for everyone. Additionally, marketers can take this as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of strong password management and two-factor authentication to protect their social media accounts.
Reference: https://mashable.com/article/hacked-verified-facebook-pages-impersonate-meta-google
