Meta’s introduction of a paid verification service has garnered mixed reactions. This is for both Instagram as well as Facebook. While some believe it will help to eliminate scammers and fraudsters, it is not a foolproof solution. Here’s why:
Paid Verification Does Not Guarantee Authenticity
The blue checkmark next to a user’s profile name indicates that the account is legitimate and verified by Instagram. However, scammers and fraudsters can also apply for paid verification and pass the verification process to obtain the blue checkmark. This means that a verified account is not necessarily a guarantee of authenticity.
Paid Verification Does Not Prevent Hacking or Hijacking
Obtaining paid verification does not automatically protect an account from being hacked or hijacked. Hackers and scammers can still target verified accounts and use various tactics, such as phishing or social engineering, to gain access to them.
The Verification Process is Not Foolproof
Instagram’s verification team manually reviews each application, but they may not catch every instance of fraud or deception. There is a possibility that some scammers and fraudsters may slip through the cracks and obtain verification, further perpetuating their malicious activities on the platform.
Paid Verification Does Not Address the Root Cause of the Problem
The paid verification process does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the proliferation of fake accounts on the platform. Many scammers and fraudsters create numerous fake accounts to carry out their activities, and paid verification does not prevent this from happening.
Paid Verification May Incentivize Scammers and Fraudsters
Lastly, paid verification may even incentivize scammers and fraudsters to engage in more fraudulent activities. They may see the blue checkmark as a badge of credibility that will make their scams appear more legitimate and trustworthy, ultimately luring more unsuspecting victims.
Paid Verification is Not a Silver Bullet
Instagram’s paid verification service is not a silver bullet that will eliminate scammers and fraudsters on the platform. While it may provide some level of assurance to users, it is not a guarantee of authenticity nor prevents scammers and fraudsters from continuing to carry out their malicious activities. Instagram must continue to implement more robust measures to combat the proliferation of fake accounts, including automated systems to detect and remove them promptly. It is up to the users to remain vigilant and cautious when interacting with accounts on the platform, regardless of whether they are verified or not.
