Detecting fake accounts is a significant problem for social media platforms and companies. Attackers create fake accounts to spread spam or misinformation, commit fraud, steal sensitive information, and other malicious activities. Attackers can use a wide range of tools to create thousands of fake accounts at lightning speed. Attackers may also use real photos or personal information to make an account appear authentic, which can cause serious damage to victims and their reputations.
To detect fake accounts, look for the following.
Fake accounts often lack a profile picture, or they might use a stock photo that’s readily available online. They’ll also rarely post anything on their timelines, and they may switch content between different themes – such as music, videos or pictures. This shift is a giveaway that the account isn’t a legitimate one and was created to promote other posts.
Other telltale signs of a fake account include using slang, slurs, or curse words in posts and messages. You should also look at the date the account was created, as newer accounts are more likely to be fake. Another way to spot a fake account is to check whether the account has been verified by the platform. Verified accounts will have a blue checkmark on them, such as those run by politicians and celebrities.
Educate your employees and customers to report any suspicious pages, profiles or DMs they come across on your brand’s social channels. This will help you keep on top of the threat while keeping your people safe.