The FBI has issued a warning regarding the alarming rise of cybercriminals hijacking verified social media accounts with large followings to spread scams and malicious software. These criminals utilize targeted phishing and social engineering techniques, often launching 'giveaway' scams that lure unsuspecting followers.
For social media users, the FBI emphasizes the importance of vigilance. Followers should not assume that verified influencers are always in control of their content. Key red flags include posts that seem unusual or too good to be true, as well as urgent calls to action for clicking links related to cryptocurrency giveaways or free software downloads. Users are advised to verify suspicious links by checking the website's registration information and to be cautious of newly registered sites, especially those originating from countries like Russia.
Influencers and creators are urged to enhance their account security by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). They should approach emails claiming to be from social media platforms with skepticism, especially those requesting re-login or collaboration opportunities that involve clicking on links. Regularly monitoring login activity and connected devices is also recommended.
Victims of account takeovers or internet scams are encouraged to report incidents to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).