LinkedIn takes action to tackle fake accounts
LinkedIn is introducing new verification features over the coming months to help tackle fake accounts.
The business-focused social platform is a fantastic place to connect with like-minded businesspeople, and to find new employees, jobs and opportunities.
But thanks to this popularity, we’re seeing an increase in fake profiles, created by scammers for more sinister purposes.
Bot-like accounts have been cropping up all over the platform. They’ve been spamming people, tricking genuine profiles into downloading malware, and scamming them into giving away personal data.
LinkedIn holds a huge amount of information on each of its members, including their job history, contact details, professional interests and places of work – all valuable data that a determined criminal could put to use.
These fake accounts can be hard to spot. They look like real people (sometimes they’re AI-generated deepfake images), they seem to work for legitimate businesses, and the profiles have been carefully curated to look like the real deal.
LinkedIn is making changes over the coming months to help tackle these fake accounts. By way of an improved account authentication process.
Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn, is partnering with secure identity platform Clear to help verify accounts using work email addresses, government-issued ID, and a phone number.
It’s initially only being tested in the US. But if it’s a success, we expect we’ll see a wider rollout over the coming months.
Once the relevant information has been provided, accounts will receive a verification mark, like the ones introduced by Twitter. However, unlike Twitter, LinkedIn will be offering verification free of charge.
We’ll keep you updated when we know more, but in the meantime, if you need help keeping all your accounts secure, get in touch.
Understanding the Rise of Fake Profiles on LinkedIn
The surge in fake profiles on LinkedIn is a significant concern for users and the platform alike. Scammers often create these profiles to impersonate real individuals, leading to various malicious activities, including phishing attempts and data theft.
These fake accounts can appear highly convincing, often using AI-generated images and detailed personal information to lure unsuspecting users. The impact of these profiles extends beyond individual users, as they can damage the overall trust and integrity of the LinkedIn community.
LinkedIn's Partnership with Clear for Enhanced Verification
To combat the issue of fake accounts, LinkedIn has partnered with Clear, a secure identity verification platform. This collaboration aims to implement robust verification methods that include the use of work email addresses, government-issued IDs, and phone numbers to authenticate users.
This verification process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing LinkedIn members to verify their identities at no cost. By ensuring that users are who they claim to be, LinkedIn hopes to create a safer environment for networking and professional interactions.
How the Verification Process Works
The verification process on LinkedIn involves several steps to confirm a user's identity effectively. Users will be required to submit relevant identification documents, which will be reviewed by Clear to ensure authenticity.
This multi-step approach not only helps in verifying accounts but also educates users on the importance of maintaining secure profiles. By providing clear guidelines and support during the verification process, LinkedIn aims to enhance user confidence in the platform.
Comparing LinkedIn's Verification to Other Platforms
LinkedIn's verification features stand out when compared to similar initiatives on other social media platforms. Unlike Twitter's paid model for verification, LinkedIn offers its verification services for free, making it accessible to all users.
This approach not only encourages more users to verify their accounts but also fosters a culture of security and trust within the LinkedIn community. By prioritizing user safety without additional costs, LinkedIn positions itself as a leader in combating online fraud.