It’s essential to remain ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Yet, as pinpointed by ZachXBT, a cybersecurity researcher, efforts to prevent scams have inadvertently spurred a fresh black market for X gold-verified accounts.
Decoding The New Verification System
Gone are the days when a blue checkmark was a universal symbol for all verified accounts. Today, that coveted blue symbol only adorns the profiles of those with an X Premium subscription, who also fulfill certain conditions. A more nuanced verification process exists: government officials and their representatives receive a grey checkmark, and business entities are eligible for a gold badge. The latter also has the added distinction of a square profile image.
Earning a gold checkmark comes with a hefty price tag: $1,000 per month. Elon Musk believed that such a steep cost would deter most scammers. And while it’s no small change, the potential profits from scamming far outweigh the initial outlay. When fraudulent activities can yield returns in the grand spectrum, that cost becomes inconsequential.
A Rising Trend: Gold Checkmark Impersonations
Follow CryptoMode on Twitter, Youtube and TikTok for news updates! It’s a stark reality. Over a mere 48-hour period, ZachXBT identified 12 accounts, all flaunting gold checkmarks, impersonating genuine businesses. These imposters’ primary modus operandi? Promoting bogus token airdrops. These scams not only endanger the financial assets of users but also compromise their data.
Here’s the alarming part: many of these dubious accounts are traded on Telegram channels before debuting on what’s termed ‘crypto Twitter’. It’s not just about impersonation; it’s a full-fledged business. With the potential to garner up to five figures in illegitimate profits, the initial expense of account creation becomes trivial.
While Zach’s followers have offered to ban these deceitful accounts, everyone concedes this solution is temporary.
Restoring Trust: A Call to Action
The onus is now on X. To preserve its status as the premier platform for businesses to engage with their clientele, its moderation team must swiftly act. They need to rectify the flaws in their verification system, ensuring a robust and scam-free environment. X can only thrive in this digital age by bolstering confidence in its verification process.
Transitioning to a safer, more reliable platform requires timely action, foresight, and a commitment to user safety. X’s next move will be pivotal.
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