TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Better Business Bureau has warned residents of the potential for subscription service scams following Meta’s announcement of its paid verification program.
The Better Business Bureau says Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg announced on Sunday, Feb. 19, that the company would be introducing Meta Verified, a paid “blue verification badge” for Facebook and Instagram that would be available later this week. The service includes a verified badge, identity theft protection, increased visibility, priority customer service, and other unique features. The move follows Twitter’s introduction of the controversial idea.
As with any new program, the BBB warned of initial confusion about what it all means, and scammers lined up to jump on each new opportunity. He said residents should make sure they have all the facts to protect themselves from future scam attempts.
Here’s what the BBB said users should know:
- Regular Facebook and Instagram users don’t have to pay. The subscription service is an option to help creators and businesses build communities.
- The optional Meta subscription service will cost $11.99 a month online and $14.99 for the mobile app. Twitter’s blue check costs $8 a month for the web and $11 for its mobile app. Twitter has also announced a supplement to its new secure text messaging program.
- Meta Verified is currently only available in New Zealand and Australia, but may soon roll out globally and eventually to corporate accounts. Twitter Blue is currently available in many countries, including the United States and Canada.
- Users must meet the minimum requirements: be 18 or older and submit ID that matches their name and photo on Facebook and Instagram.
The Bureau said residents should be on the lookout for potential scams including phishing emails, text messages and direct messages. If residents suspect a scam, they can go to its Spot a Scam page to check. He also warned residents to beware of imposters and always check links before they are clicked, as well as verify all information.
