LinkedIn Spammers Make It Tough for Everyone, But a Good Offense is Your Best Defense
As I checked my LinkedIn invitations yesterday, I noticed at least 10 "fake" invites. It's no surprise. By now, 50 or 60 spammers have filtered through my LinkedIn inbox...and just this morning, SpamFighter reported a slew of fake pharmaceutical websites attacking the inboxes of LinkedIn members.
It seems a type of software (maybe more than one) has been developed to allow spammers to create multiple fake accounts, then mass-invite others; the payoff being a large network to sell to and, in some circles, the credibility that comes from having lots of 'followers'.
Members must be vigilant about IDK'ing each fake profile. "Report as spam" may be your 1st instinct, but choosing "I don't know..." puts the thief out of business sooner. Five IDKs and LinkedIn will block the spammer (at least from using the one profile.)
Watch for these 6 spam-happy indicators:
1. The Picture. Stock photos (happy families, outdoor scenes) are common. Remember, this is LinkedIn, not Facebook. If the picture sets off a little bell in your head, investigate further.
2. The Name. Not every foreign name indicates a spammer. Not every English name indicates someone trusthworthy. The people are fake, and so are the names. Pay attention to each and everyone and do not connect unless you feel sure.
3. Connections. Everyone begins somewhere. Having few or no connections doesn't make someone a spammer. In fact, active spammers have lots of connections. Again, be cautious.
4. Recommendations. There will usually be none. Getting recommendations requires connecting with real people.
5. Summary. Usually very brief, if at all. Don't confuse a spammer with a bonafide LinkedIn who simply hasn't taken the time, doesn't have the skill or just doesn't understand how to write a decent summary.
6. Employer name. Sound familiar? Spammers use lists of defunct companies as employer names. Google the company name to authenticate the employer.
Don't Get Caught in the Crossfire!
Perhaps this trend will subside as more of us chase the spammers away. However, I see a more dangerous and long-lasting consequence: legitimate members getting caught in the crossfire. Why? Because some real profiles resemble spammer profiles -- poorly conceived headlines, lacking summaries and job descriptions, few connections, no recommendations. If you want others to perceive you as a professional, you've got to put in the time to be a professional. (Of course, the profile is only the tip of the iceberg.)
Follow these quick tips for LinkedIn profile success:
ü Ditch the backyard BBQ attitude. LinkedIn is a swanky cocktail party!
ü Add a business photo of yourself...no baseball cap, no dog.
ü Write a decent summary. A few paragraphs will do it. Tell people how your skills solve their problems.
ü Ask colleagues for recommendations of your work, and don't forget to reciprocate.
ü Provide contact info, so people can see you're not hiding.
ü Keep your profile updated with relevant information. You do want people to contact you, right?
ü Don't stuff the poor thing with a ridiculous number of keywords, a spammer's delight!
If you're not sure how, or don't have time, ask a friend or other trusted LinkedIn member (like me!) for assistance.