October 12, 2023 at 04:59PM
Fraudsters are exploiting X’s new verification system to impersonate brands and steal personal information. The system, implemented after Elon Musk changed the rules, allows anyone to obtain a blue checkmark by paying a monthly fee. Scammers have taken advantage of this, creating fake accounts and using phishing pages to gather personal information. The introduction of gold and gray badges has also caused confusion. Companies should direct customers to official websites or recognized customer service numbers to protect against impersonators and maintain authenticity. However, users should always be cautious as verification systems can still be exploited.
Key Takeaways from Meeting Notes:
1. Fraudsters are exploiting the new verification system implemented by X, formerly known as Twitter, to impersonate brands and steal personal information.
2. The introduction of various tiers of authentication, such as gold and gray badges, has created confusion for brands and users.
3. Scammers are creating copycat accounts and phishing pages to deceive users and harvest personal information.
4. Some companies redirect customers to social media platforms like X for faster customer service, but this can lead to interactions with fake accounts.
5. X’s new check mark system offers four tiers: blue check marks for X Premium users, gray check marks for government bodies and officials, gold check marks for official corporate accounts, and logos for individuals associated with organizations.
6. The cost of obtaining a gold check mark on X is $1,000 per month, which may be unaffordable for small businesses.
7. Inconsistencies within organizations have been observed, with some accounts having gold check marks and others not.
8. Companies that cannot or do not want to adhere to X’s new rules should take alternative measures to protect their customers and brand reputation, such as directing customers to official websites or recognized customer service numbers.
9. Maintaining a consistent online presence, regular updates, and engagement can help deter impersonators and build customer trust.
10. While X’s verification system can be exploited, users should always exercise caution on any platform, including LinkedIn which does not have a similar check mark system but is still prone to fake profiles and impersonators.