The Better Business Bureau has a warning about scams that threaten the verified social media accounts of individuals and businesses.This scam comes at you in the form of what appears to be a direct message from Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.The message states that your verified account has been flagged. You’ll need to re-verify it, and you could lose your account if you don’t respond.The scam message asks you to click on a link or download a form to start the appeal process and re-verify your account.If you click, you may download malware onto your laptop or mobile device. This can collect your personal data without your knowledge. If you fill out forms or reply with the requested information, scammers may be able to hack your account or use your personal information to commit identity theft.Protect yourselfBe skeptical of unsolicited messages — whether it’s a direct message, an email or a text message — especially if they ask you to click on links or open attachments. Instead, go straight to the source — the platform’s official customer service center — to find out if the message is real.Be on the lookout for poor spelling, bad grammar, pressure to act now and scare tactics. These are all red flags that indicate a scam.Watch the video above for the full story.
The Better Business Bureau has a warning about scams that threaten the verified social media accounts of individuals and businesses.
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This scam comes at you in the form of what appears to be a direct message from Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
The message states that your verified account has been flagged. You’ll need to re-verify it, and you could lose your account if you don’t respond.
The scam message asks you to click on a link or download a form to start the appeal process and re-verify your account.
If you click, you may download malware onto your laptop or mobile device. This can collect your personal data without your knowledge.
If you fill out forms or reply with the requested information, scammers may be able to hack your account or use your personal information to commit identity theft.
Protect yourself
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages — whether it’s a direct message, an email or a text message — especially if they ask you to click on links or open attachments.
Instead, go straight to the source — the platform’s official customer service center — to find out if the message is real.
Be on the lookout for poor spelling, bad grammar, pressure to act now and scare tactics. These are all red flags that indicate a scam.
Watch the video above for the full story.
