Seeing scammers and imposters arise on social media is now a norm in the online world.
But you’d expect tech giants like Meta to do more to help safeguard its users online by getting rid of fake profiles. However, the reality seems to be far from that as many noticed the number of fake profiles surging across the Instagram app.
In the past year, we’ve seen the issue go from bad to worse and the app’s parent firm is really falling behind in terms of finding a solution to the matter, despite there being many signs that a certain profile is making use of another’s identity or image.
An investigation was also carried out by tech media outlet Bleeping Computer on this front and they noticed how a large number of reports were filed against such scam accounts featuring fake IDs and they were impersonating internet personalities or other public figures but ended up getting dismissed by the admin. Clearly, it’s a huge issue and no appeal made a difference, not to mention how the profiles continue to function on the app as we speak.
Conceptual image created with AIgen
After seeing all of this, it would not be wrong to mention that Instagram has transformed into a giant safe haven where scammers are working at large. People are interacting with others based on what they appear like on the outside or what their profile says, only to find out later on that it’s all a scam and nothing is real.
Authenticity on social media is rare as it is and now that fake profiles are going unnoticed by Meta’s Instagram we’re seeing a major issue arise here. To pretend like you are someone other than your true identity is concerning and a major sign of catfishing. Anyone can produce two identities for several reasons. One of the main ones is to separate their real or personal endeavors from their professional world. But you need to be honest at least, right?
A growing number of users are speaking about how they keep on generating complaints on this front and seeing Meta dismiss them and leave those fake ID accounts as it is has them wondering what’s going on and if any safeguards were really in place. All they give as a part of the justification is linked to how they are following Community Guidelines and using both human and tech for reviewing purposes. And yes, no appeals work either so what is a person supposed to do, right?
When leading media outlets ask Meta to shed light on what’s going on, they are yet to hear back from any of the company’s reps. And that again is another red flag worth a mention.
Could this be the latest ploy from the tech giant in terms of selling blue ticks?
We don’t think such acts are a mere coincidence. They are becoming far too normal on the platform and something needs to be done before it’s too late.
Plenty of imposters seem to be targeting real profiles of leading public figures, influencers, law enforcement officers, and creators involved in producing adult content. They then start following the followers located on the actual account. And their hope is to attain followers back to ensure they are getting the tag of being authentic. They then block the profile that they are copying and this ensures no contact is made with the real user in question.
Those who are suffering are the real ones who fear their identities are being used for catfishing purposes and they cannot do anything about it because Meta takes on a silent stance. So what could the reason be?
Well, the news is that Meta is forcing users to purchase blue ticks to try and ensure they attain greater protection perhaps they wish to increase their user numbers by not labeling these kinds of content as spam or a fake profile.
Today, the subscription is priced between $12 to $15 and it’s not cheap to get Meta Verified, not to mention an added business for the company with these staggering monthly earnings.
Read next: X Users Are Being Bombarded With Risky Ads Including Crypto, Phishing Scams And AI ‘Undressing’ Apps
But you’d expect tech giants like Meta to do more to help safeguard its users online by getting rid of fake profiles. However, the reality seems to be far from that as many noticed the number of fake profiles surging across the Instagram app.
In the past year, we’ve seen the issue go from bad to worse and the app’s parent firm is really falling behind in terms of finding a solution to the matter, despite there being many signs that a certain profile is making use of another’s identity or image.
An investigation was also carried out by tech media outlet Bleeping Computer on this front and they noticed how a large number of reports were filed against such scam accounts featuring fake IDs and they were impersonating internet personalities or other public figures but ended up getting dismissed by the admin. Clearly, it’s a huge issue and no appeal made a difference, not to mention how the profiles continue to function on the app as we speak.
After seeing all of this, it would not be wrong to mention that Instagram has transformed into a giant safe haven where scammers are working at large. People are interacting with others based on what they appear like on the outside or what their profile says, only to find out later on that it’s all a scam and nothing is real.
Scammers are using the pictures of Nando Malachovski, U.S military for #romancefraud. He has a large Instagram following and a ridiculous number of fakes on @facebookapp and @tiktok_us that they won’t remove. Please be aware #catfish #onlinefraud #scammers (the platforms too) pic.twitter.com/pxbBqRArcn
— Anna Rowe (@AnnaRowe123) April 21, 2021
There's a fuckton of catfish of me, particularly on Instagram because theyre run by greedy idiots who won't pay for basic things like people to moderate or remove accounts.
— Chelle Silverstein🔞 (@Chellelovesu) July 31, 2023
So @instagram disabling my account because y’all saying I’m not me!!?! I went thru the verification process and everything and paid to make sure people knew me from the fake accounts. Ive shown my ID and it was accepted. I’ve had my account since like 2014 😡😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/9EMyF4cp0V
— Persephanii Aka Thick Yonce (@Persephaniii) September 15, 2023
Authenticity on social media is rare as it is and now that fake profiles are going unnoticed by Meta’s Instagram we’re seeing a major issue arise here. To pretend like you are someone other than your true identity is concerning and a major sign of catfishing. Anyone can produce two identities for several reasons. One of the main ones is to separate their real or personal endeavors from their professional world. But you need to be honest at least, right?
A growing number of users are speaking about how they keep on generating complaints on this front and seeing Meta dismiss them and leave those fake ID accounts as it is has them wondering what’s going on and if any safeguards were really in place. All they give as a part of the justification is linked to how they are following Community Guidelines and using both human and tech for reviewing purposes. And yes, no appeals work either so what is a person supposed to do, right?
When leading media outlets ask Meta to shed light on what’s going on, they are yet to hear back from any of the company’s reps. And that again is another red flag worth a mention.
Could this be the latest ploy from the tech giant in terms of selling blue ticks?
We don’t think such acts are a mere coincidence. They are becoming far too normal on the platform and something needs to be done before it’s too late.
Plenty of imposters seem to be targeting real profiles of leading public figures, influencers, law enforcement officers, and creators involved in producing adult content. They then start following the followers located on the actual account. And their hope is to attain followers back to ensure they are getting the tag of being authentic. They then block the profile that they are copying and this ensures no contact is made with the real user in question.
Those who are suffering are the real ones who fear their identities are being used for catfishing purposes and they cannot do anything about it because Meta takes on a silent stance. So what could the reason be?
Well, the news is that Meta is forcing users to purchase blue ticks to try and ensure they attain greater protection perhaps they wish to increase their user numbers by not labeling these kinds of content as spam or a fake profile.
Today, the subscription is priced between $12 to $15 and it’s not cheap to get Meta Verified, not to mention an added business for the company with these staggering monthly earnings.
Read next: X Users Are Being Bombarded With Risky Ads Including Crypto, Phishing Scams And AI ‘Undressing’ Apps
