What are some signs that can help identify fake profiles on LinkedIn when receiving connection?

Question

NJ Robb · Accepted Answer

The answer is a little bit of a paradox.

Take my profile - it has the hallmarks of a fake account in my opinion as there is very little information (I have not gotten round to filling in yet/filtering what is important and what is not) and yet this could not be further from the truth.

I have not valued social media and have tried my best to stay away. I like a quiet life albeit i like to help people solve problems and to do this (unless i want to remain a local hero) you need to stay connect. Finding the balance of not doxing yourself and staying safe online and yet remaining approachable is quit difficult.

I would say, if the account holder does not try to engage in meaningful ways ie simply answering a message in a human way or having a conversation that is relevant and not just - 'this is my product' and its a link to a petrol car which you do not need as you have gone electric, then i would be wary.

On the flip side, my cofounder who has been on linkedin much longer than i have, barely interacts as he receives a lot of spam, he does not see the value in it anymore, and my third cofounder, does not engage because he keeps getting spam from recruiters but felt the need to maintain an active account, just in case.

Hence, i was keen to stay away.

It's a hard question to answer and i guess its situational and down to good old gut feeling?

Hope this helps.

William Gump · Answer

Alexandru, watch out for profiles with a lack of detailed work history, generic or stock images, and minimal connections—these are red flags. Also, if they immediately send sales pitches or requests for personal information upon connecting, it's likely not a genuine profile.

NJ Robb · Answer

@anshul_raghav @alexandru_purdoiu This is so true! I have seen so many dead accounts/burner accounts on reddit. The difference is people often tell you on reddit as they dont want to dox themselves.

PH seems to be incentivising this by a simple three word or two word answer counts as a concrete contribution, instead of a well structured solid piece of advice/opinion. Hopefully, i am proved wrong :)

NJ Robb · Answer

@alexandru_purdoiu @anshul_raghav I just received one on a question i posed about discounts on launching on product hunt (an option they give for setting up a launch) on PH, and on another post i saw someone said the EXACT answer i did in the exact words...copy and paste answers help no one.

A little sceptical now about the actual number of people wanting to genuinely help. Why waste time on a bot farm eh?

Alexandru Purdoiu · Answer

@anshul_raghav Absolutely, and what's concerning is that in many developer communities, I've noticed a trend of individuals offering their services to create even more bots. It's like a vicious cycle that undermines the authenticity of online interactions.

Answer

Stock photos or generic images may be used as the profile picture in fake profiles. There may be cause for concern if the profile photo appears unduly professional, unoriginal, or too good to be real.

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Answer

On the platform, fake profiles frequently have few connections and little activity. To find out if someone frequently interacts with content, shares updates, or takes part in conversations, look through their activity stream.

Anshul Raghav · Answer

@alexandru_purdoiu social platforms are not generally helping people foster genuine connections but making them more anxious and on top that the bots make the experience further bad. Look at one of the comments in your discussion. That’s a clear sign of a bot activity.

ISTIAK AHMAD · Answer

I believe a complete profile and activity could help you filter ( :

Alexandru Purdoiu · Answer

@njrobb I resonate with the third cofounder's experience. While I keep an active LinkedIn profile, it's mostly to dodge recruiter spam. Engaging actively is a rarity for me there. Although, I've started to become more active over the past week!

What are some signs that can help identify fake profiles on LinkedIn when receiving connection?

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