As the gold standard in online professional networking, LinkedIn has had to take a more proactive approach towards weeding out scamsters and fraudulent profiles. With more than a billion users across the globe, LinkedIn’s growth has meant that it’s also attracted the attention of scammers and impersonators. The proliferation of fake profiles, for example, has been a key concern for LinkedIn, which is why the platform introduced verification protocols and functionalities.
Let’s get verified
As you scroll your LinkedIn feed, you’ll now see that some people you’re connected with are listed as “Verified”. At the moment, for most people, the verification process is optional. For various types of profiles, however, this verification process is mandatory. High-profile people, new profiles, or people who work in industries that are prone to impersonation, are being mandated to verify themselves with LinkedIn. When you get verified, you submit an official form of identity documentation, confirm your work email address, and more. For other users, verification remains optional but highly encouraged. There are various other ways to get verified, depending on your location too. For example, LinkedIn is also using third-party identity verification services in the United States, to help more users get verified on the platform.
LinkedIn makes life safer
LinkedIn’s move towards these verification measures makes life easier, and safer, for all of us. The platform has also started to roll out automated detection systems and enhanced reporting tools for people to use when they spot something suspicious. You’ll find it even easier to report a fake profile, impersonators, and spam on LinkedIn. In the past, impersonators have run riot on the platform, often leading to people being tricked into sharing personal information or even investing money into fraudulent schemes. There’s also been concerns around phishing and profile takeovers, which has led to people being locked out of their own profiles.
LinkedIn and the law
LinkedIn has also introduced new profile verification processes for legal reasons, as a result of growing regulatory pressure. For example, the European Union and the United States are introducing stricter digital identity laws, like the EU’s Digital Services Act. These regulations have meant LinkedIn must implement measures that ensure user authenticity. Building a simpler, safer platform is an important priority for LinkedIn, and it benefits all of us who spend our time growing our network and seeking out new opportunities through the platform. Of course, as LinkedIn’s protocols for securing the platform evolve, so too do the scamsters’ methods and tactics. As always, be cautious when interacting with people online. As they say in the tech industry: Trust, but verify!
LinkedIn sets the standard
As the platform has moved forward with its verification efforts, LinkedIn has begun to set the standard for social media platforms. Typically, social media platforms all battle the same type of problems, related to user impersonation, account hacking, and scammers. LinkedIn’s proactive approach could – and undoubtedly will – set the bar for other social platforms, which also need to address these problems as a matter of urgency.
Now that you know why LinkedIn is asking you to get verified, it’s time to consider it. If you need help with refining and protecting your account, Prominence Global can help. We’re proud to partner with professionals across the globe who know the power of the connection request, and the opportunities that may come their way thereafter.
P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you accelerate your Lead Generation results:
- Follow Adam Houlahan’s LinkedIn Profile Now Click Here
- Join our FREE LinkedIn Group and connect with entrepreneurs who are scaling too
It’s our Facebook community where smart entrepreneurs learn to get more leads and smart ways to scale using LinkedIn — Click Here
- Take our FREE LinkedIn Productivity Assessment
Score your current presence and activity on LinkedIn against industry best practice benchmarks. Receive customised results instantly and as a BONUS you’ll get a FREE PDF download of Amazon’s Best-selling book “The LinkedIn Playbook” Click Here
- Join our Content Ninja Club Today!
This Club is a community of professionals who are dedicated to mastering LinkedIn engagement and seeing real results. In fact, members experience a 300% to 1000% increase in content traction!
The best part? You can join the Club accessing a comprehensive set of tools and resources for just $197 AUD/month with no lock-in contracts.
Join today Content Ninja Club Registration
