Tech
How To Tell If An Instagram Account Is Fake
They aren't too difficult to find.
by Syeda Khaula Saad and Siena Gagliano
Updated:
Originally Published:
zoranm/E+/Getty Images
Have you ever stumbled upon an Instagram account and asked yourself how it was possible to get that many followers? No need to rack your brain, because the answer just might have to do with fake accounts. And while a few bot accounts may not seem like a big deal to the average user, they're more prevalent than you might realize. So, how can you tell if an Instagram account is fake? You'd be surprised at what you can use to spot the phonies.
There are plenty of different reasons why someone might make a fake Instagram account. Some people make accounts to impersonate or catfish others. On the flip side, some fake accounts are made in large quantities so that people can actually buy and sell them to make it look like they have more followers. Other accounts are made to trick users into paying for fake products or services, according to Mashable.
"No matter what your posting or engagement strategy is, bots and fake accounts still manage to sneak in and plague your follower list," Susan B. Zimmerman, a business coach who helps clients with Instagram marketing, tells Bustle. "Having too many of these accounts following you can bring down your overall engagement rate." Jihana Barrett, cybersecurity expert, and owner of CybrSuite, agrees: “Fake accounts can actually get your page shut down. If enough of them follow you at one time, Instagram can assume that you have attempted to buy followers which is a huge no no. Also, it isn’t considered real engagement or followers. So if you are an influencer, the comments and likes fake accounts make don’t necessarily work in your favor,” she says.
The good thing is that phony Instagram accounts aren't too difficult to find. Here are seven red flags to keep an eye out for if you're trying to root them out:
“Look at the comments the fake accounts have under their photos (if any) or look at the comments they leave under posts on other pages. Usually the comments are irrelevant or spam-like which is a good indicator that it is a fake,” says Barrett. “Once your page is public it is vulnerable to people trying to impersonate your account or trying to get your page shut down or spamming you with irrelevant comments.”
This article was originally published on
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of online security and social media dynamics, I can confidently address the concepts covered in the article "How To Tell If An Instagram Account Is Fake." Identifying fake Instagram accounts is crucial for maintaining a genuine online presence and preventing potential risks associated with scams, fake engagement, and impersonation.
-
Generic Bio as a Red Flag:
- The article mentions that fake accounts often have generic or fabricated bios. This is a common strategy used by those who create numerous fake accounts, as creativity is not their priority. A generic bio is a clear indicator that the account might be fake.
-
Low Number of Posts:
- The article suggests that fake accounts may have a low number of posts or even none at all. Despite the seeming contradiction, some fake accounts focus on following others rather than posting content. This tactic is employed to boost the follower count of influencers who may be purchasing fake followers to enhance their appeal.
-
Promotional Posts:
- If an account primarily features promotional material, suspicious giveaways, or fake discounts, it raises suspicions about its authenticity. Fake accounts may attempt to lure users into scams or manipulate them into clicking on potentially harmful links.
-
Random Followers:
- Legitimate Instagram accounts often have followers who are friends, family, or consistently engaged users. Fake accounts, on the other hand, may have a random assortment of followers with no identifiable pattern. This can be a red flag indicating the account might be fake.
-
Following Behavior:
- The article points out that fake accounts tend to follow a large number of other accounts in a short period, leading to a disproportionate ratio of following to followers. Legitimate accounts usually maintain a more balanced ratio, and a skewed ratio can signal the account's inauthenticity.
-
Recent Creation Date:
- Fake accounts are typically created rapidly and in large numbers. Examining the account's creation date can provide insights into its authenticity. If an account has numerous posts within a short time frame, it may be attempting to appear genuine by spamming content.
-
Irrelevant Comments:
- The article emphasizes checking for irrelevant or spam-like comments on the account's posts or comments left on other pages. Fake accounts often engage in spammy behavior, and analyzing the comments can help identify their inauthentic nature.
In conclusion, staying vigilant and being aware of these red flags can help users distinguish between genuine and fake Instagram accounts, safeguarding themselves from potential scams and maintaining the integrity of their online presence.