ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Scammers Target X’s Iconic Blue Check Mark Amid Verification Changes; How to Stay Safe

Controversies brew around the democratization of the X's blue check mark.
PUBLISHED FEB 28, 2024
Cover Image Source: X account of Elon Musk | Getty Images | Photo by Nathan Stirk
Cover Image Source: X account of Elon Musk | Getty Images | Photo by Nathan Stirk

In the wake of transitioning from Twitter to X, the platform has witnessed significant changes, notably in the account verification process. The iconic blue check mark, indicating a verified profile, has become a focal point, creating controversies and opening avenues for scammers to exploit unsuspecting users, per Fox News.

Elon Musk’s Twitter account | Getty Images | Photo by Chesnot
Elon Musk’s Twitter account | Getty Images | Photo by Chesnot

Before Elon Musk's takeover, Twitter Blue, or the blue check mark, was reserved for well-known figures such as celebrities, politicians, journalists, or organizational entities. Verification typically involves direct communication from Twitter to confirm identity. However, with Elon Musk at the helm, X's subscription-based model allows almost anyone to obtain the blue check mark for a monthly fee. Higher payments even unlock a gold check mark, usually designated for businesses. This subscription not only ensures verification but also provides additional perks like tweet editing, reduced ads, and potentially increased tweet visibility. Some users have enabled settings allowing messages only from verified accounts.

The democratization of the blue check mark has inadvertently given rise to scams, requiring users to not only secure verification for better platform utilization but to also stay vigilant against scammers leveraging the coveted symbol. Three prevalent scams are emerging amidst X's verification-change chaos.

Blue-tick scammers: Individuals, termed blue-tick scammers, pay for the blue-check verification on X and employ a specific method. They target users expressing dissatisfaction, especially regarding poor customer service. Exploiting complaints, these scammers aim to trick users into divulging bank details by promising refunds. An illustrative case occurred in June 2023 when cybercriminals targeted EasyJet passengers on X with fake profiles, preying on those seeking refunds after flight cancellations.

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Christopher Furlong
The Twitter logo on mobile and laptop (representative image) | Getty Images | Photo by Christopher Furlong

Elon Musk impersonators: Fake accounts impersonating well-known personalities, including Elon Musk, have become commonplace. Despite lacking official verification, these accounts, often used for cryptocurrency scams, may appear authentic at first glance. Scammers mimic Elon Musk's profiles or companies, promoting fraudulent cryptocurrency ventures and urging users to transfer money to the scammer's wallet.

Bots posing as scantily-clad women: A classic scam adapted to social media involves bots posing as scantily-clad women. While not foolproof, this scam targets users through direct messages from verified X accounts. Users should exercise caution as these could be legitimate users or scams, including "sexbots," especially prevalent with recent changes on X and the introduction of AI.

Verification scams hitting Elon Musk’s X (representative image)  | Unsplash | Photo by Julian Christ
Verification scams hitting Elon Musk’s X (representative image) | Unsplash | Photo by Julian Christ

Even if an individual doesn't actively use X, the changes highlight broader concerns regarding online verification and potential misuse. Scammers adopting similar tactics may target users on other frequented platforms. Staying informed about these scams and their methodologies is crucial for online safety. X acknowledges these scams, and eligibility requirements for Premium subscriptions now consider recent changes to a user's photo, display name, or username. To protect against scams on social media platforms like X, awareness of emerging scams and staying updated on preventive measures is essential.

It's crucial to adopt a proactive approach and implement various security measures. First and foremost, avoid sharing sensitive information with strangers to protect your personal data. Exercise skepticism by thoroughly investigating any suspicious X accounts that come to your attention. Furthermore, fortify your account by using strong and unique passwords, changing them regularly to enhance security. Consider enabling two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of protection to your X accounts. Review and adjust your privacy settings to limit the visibility of your posts and profile information, maintaining control over who can access your content. Additionally, always verify the credibility of information before sharing it on the platform. Installing reliable antivirus software on your devices is paramount in safeguarding against malware and potential scams that could compromise your security on X.

In case you encounter scammers or suspicious accounts, take swift action by deleting and reporting them to X. This not only protects you but also contributes to the overall safety of the platform. Stay informed about the latest security updates and threats by keeping your software and apps updated, ensuring that you have the latest protection against emerging risks.

Lastly, fine-tune your privacy settings to control followers effectively, limiting access through specific privacy configurations. By adhering to these practices, you can create a safer online experience for yourself on X.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The old painting turned out to be an early piece from the renowned artist David Hockney.
8 hours ago
The player aced the tricky game of 'Gas Money' and, needless to say, she celebrated in style.
11 hours ago
Fans were shocked to see how the player couldn't solve one of the easiest puzzles in the show's history.
12 hours ago
The company, Scholly, entered the Shark Tank Hall of Fame as it gave a 60x return years later.
13 hours ago
After the contestant, Drew Carey broke the board further while trying to fix it...
1 day ago
As it so turned out, a crucial ruling from the judges led to a BIG win for the player.
1 day ago
When a guest brought a precious Charles Rohlfs chair, expert John Sollo confessed that he was nervous to appraise it.
1 day ago
The guest had no idea about the item being a Tiffany product and being embedded with a rare gem.
2 days ago
The host was baffled by the goof up that the contestant made between two words.
2 days ago
Carey showed that he has got the weapon of sarcasm, and he isn't afraid to use it.
2 days ago
Whatever the host was expecting, it was far away from what the contestant said on national TV.
2 days ago
The guest was surprised to learn more about the item he had actually found on the street for free.
2 days ago
After going through everything on the board, the player left Harvey in hysterics with his answer.
3 days ago
As it so turned out, the weird-looking floor lamp was a piece from a very famous studio.
3 days ago
Most contestants were consistently getting the answers wrong, and Harvey was worried about what was next.
4 days ago
Some claimed that they got the puzzle despite English being their second language.
4 days ago
The letter was written to a columnist in response to a piece taking a swipe at Sinatra.
4 days ago
In a special episode of Celebrity Family Feud, a WWE star decided to go for the one thing Harvey is known for.
4 days ago
Luck was shining for her as she was off to a flying start and won the car with a single card.
4 days ago
Sajak had a witty reply for the contestant who was fanboying over White during the game.
7 days ago