The internet is and can be a hotbed of information, both good and bad. It’s a place to research, but it’s also a place where information can be stolen. In the age of social media, where celebrities are able to connect with their fans, there’s been a growing problem of fake celebrities, impostors, or internet “trolls” creating accounts under celebrity names, not to connect socially but to scam inconspicuous fans out of money.
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are among the top social media sites where these trolls set up accounts with the intention of tricking fans into sending personal information or even money, thus placing not only their trust, but their lives into these criminals’ hands. While sadly some fans have been scammed, others are constantly “reporting” these fake accounts as they appear, sometimes having to report multiple accounts in one day. The reported account is then reviewed by Facbook/Twitter/Instagram, removed if deemed fake, and reported back to the reporter that action has been taken.
And while celebrities have been taking to social media to fight back, this week a group of country artists including Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Jake Owen, Hunter Hayes and more, got together for a PSA via Socialmediasafetynashville.com to discuss the problem and to explain how to distinguish what to look for and what a celebrity will never ask for. One very important piece of information each celebrity has that verifies their account is the TRUE account is a “blue check mark”.
Please check out the video*, be informed, be cautious, and be safe!
(*some explicit language used)
For more information on how to report impostor accounts, visit: Socialmediasafetynashville.com