Facebook users beware: Scammers exploit verified profiles
Delhi : Some scammers have managed to get verified profiles in order to steal victims' money. Facebook and Instagram still employ the outdated technique of user verification with a Blue Tick next to the profile name, in contrast to Twitter. To obtain the desired verified badge, users must submit a number of links proving their profile is real and relevant to the public. Although Facebook's parent company Meta is piloting a paid verification tool, only a small number of people may use it. Matt Navara, a social media specialist, tweeted an image of a random profile receiving a Blue Tick signifying verification. What's more, verified profile is texting social media administrators with a suspicious link in an effort to steal their personal data and ultimately money.
According to the post's screenshot, which is visible on Navara's Twitter page, fraudsters are informing users—primarily social media managers—about "security issues." Users are encouraged to migrate to a safer and more reliable tool since they won't be able to manage their Facebook accounts using the current tools due to the alleged security flaw. Users must download this utility to stay current, so that should go without saying.
According to the article, "The new manager is packed with new features that are able to reach your target audience better, and automatically optimise ads better." The advertisement was published by the user profile "Meta Ads."
The snapshot also shows that the post has received over 140 comments and approximately 950 replies. Additionally, 92 others have shared it. Users must stay away from the profile and the post despite the fact that they appear to be real. Users are directed to viruses by this fraudulent ad. Once the virus has control of the machine, it has the ability to steal data or acquire access, leaving the user vulnerable.
The profile's ability to obtain a confirmed badge is yet unknown, despite the fact that the procedure is not unusual. It's also conceivable that the fraudster compromised a confirmed profile and altered the user name and profile image. Hackers have already acquired access to prominent figures, such as former US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to conduct cryptocurrency scams.
This is another justification for why some professionals oppose Twitter's paid verification method. If users have the option to purchase Blue Ticks, fraudsters may be able to validate the profile and trick other users of the platform.
