How to spot a fake Twitter account
Unfortunately fake Twitter accounts pop up every day. Impostors, scammers and spammers crop up all the time in social networks, and some are harder to spot than others.
People in the public eye, like celebrities and public figures with large followings, are particularly susceptible.
So, how do you know if someone you are following on Twitter is really who they say they are? The answer is not always clear-cut but here are some online identity check tips to help you spot a fake Twitter account:
The obvious fake
Before following a Twitter account read the biography. Many Twitter handles openly reveal they are a fake or a parody and a quick check of the profile will quickly reveal this. To assess their digital identity, check out their tweets and conversations and see that they match the tone and style you'd expect from the person you are wanting to follow.
Check the avatar and photographs
On social media, an avatar or a picture, can provide additional clues. For example if a celebrity Twitter handle is just using a press photograph and fails to post any personal pictures, be wary. Most celebrities use Twitter to show their fans a more personal side and so also post photos of themselves in everyday life.
Followers and following
To verify celebrity's identity online check out both the follower and following lists. If someone is in the public eye, odds are, they follow other people in the public eye, and vice versa.
Social validation
Many popular names and personalities are not officially Twitter verified. And just because an account has been verified doesn't guarantee it's accurate, as we’ve seen recently with the confusion over comedian Dave Chappelle’s real Twitter account.
To proactively clear up confusion, Twitter account holders can now use the social validation features in miiCard to verify they are who they say are online.
Links
Be cautious of popular accounts who link to advertising subject matter or unofficial websites that have nothing to do with their actual persona. For example, if a purported celebrity is linking to free ring tones, it is either not real or the account has been hacked.
Do your own research
Before you follow anyone take a moment to do a quick Internet identity check. Celebrities and public figures usually have an official website that links to their social media profiles. If the official website does not provide a link to the specific handle you're considering following it probably doesn't belong to the person you want to follow.
Prove your social accounts with miiCard
With miiCard's new social network integrations you can now prove your accounts for Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook belong to you as an identity verified individual. Find out more about miiCard Social Validations here.
Do you have any tips for spotting fake accounts on Twitter or other social networks? Please share them in the comments section below.
