$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
LinkedIn verification badge scam
Phishing messages offer to help users get a 'verified' badge on LinkedIn, directing them to fake sites that steal credentials or charge fraudulent fees.
“social media scam”
↑ 470%Key indicators
Usually targetsProfessionals
Often hitsFreelancers and contractors
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$400
median reported loss
Typical range$40 – $4.0K
Recovery rate~15%
Annual reports95,000
Scam breakdown
1
Scammers send messages or emails claiming LinkedIn is offering profile verification to select professionals, mimicking LinkedIn's brand design.
2
The link leads to a fake form that requests LinkedIn login credentials and sometimes payment information for a 'verification processing fee.'
3
Harvested credentials are used to take over the victim's account, while payment details are used for unauthorized charges.
What to do first
LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments.
Related terms
LinkedIn blue badge scamLinkedIn verification phishingfake LinkedIn checkmarkSocial media scamsLinkedInSurgingProfessionalsInfluencersSmall business ownersFreelancers and contractorsSmall business ownersPayroll, HR, and finance teamsUnited StatesUnited KingdomCanadaLinkedIn blue badge scamLinkedIn verification phishing
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Daniel, 35, a professionals, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate social media scams situation while using LinkedIn. Scammers send messages or emails claiming LinkedIn is offering profile verification to select professionals, mimicking LinkedIn's brand design.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: The link leads to a fake form that requests LinkedIn login credentials and sometimes payment information for a 'verification processing fee.'
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Harvested credentials are used to take over the victim's account, while payment details are used for unauthorized charges.
The outcome
Daniel realized something was wrong when message claims you can get a linkedin verification badge by clicking a link and filling out a form. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments. Daniel's experience shows why message claims you can get a linkedin verification badge by clicking a link and filling out a form and the process requires your linkedin password or a payment to 'expedite' verification are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Message claims you can get a LinkedIn verification badge by clicking a link and filling out a form
- The process requires your LinkedIn password or a payment to 'expedite' verification
- Sender is not affiliated with LinkedIn and their profile has limited activity
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments.
- ✓Do not enter your credentials on any site reached through unsolicited messages about verification.
- ✓Report the message to LinkedIn and block the sender.
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- Verification-themed phishing attacks surged across social platforms after Twitter and Meta launched paid verification programs in 2023.
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments.
- ✓Do not enter your credentials on any site reached through unsolicited messages about verification.
- ✓Report the message to LinkedIn and block the sender.
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
Verification-themed phishing attacks surged across social platforms after Twitter and Meta launched paid verification programs in 2023.
OpenScam research
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Professionals, Influencers, Small business owners
Geographic concentration
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany
Primary channel
LinkedIn — Social media scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Professionals are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- Verification-themed phishing attacks surged across social platforms after Twitter and Meta launched paid verification programs in 2023.
Source notes
- OpenScam research
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about linkedin verification badge scam
How does the linkedin verification badge scam work?+
Scammers send messages or emails claiming LinkedIn is offering profile verification to select professionals, mimicking LinkedIn's brand design. The link leads to a fake form that requests LinkedIn login credentials and sometimes payment information for a 'verification processing fee.' Harvested credentials are used to take over the victim's account, while payment details are used for unauthorized charges.
What are the warning signs of linkedin verification badge scam?+
Message claims you can get a LinkedIn verification badge by clicking a link and filling out a form The process requires your LinkedIn password or a payment to 'expedite' verification Sender is not affiliated with LinkedIn and their profile has limited activity
What should I do if I encounter linkedin verification badge scam?+
LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments. Do not enter your credentials on any site reached through unsolicited messages about verification. Report the message to LinkedIn and block the sender.
Who is most at risk for linkedin verification badge scam?+
This scam primarily targets Professionals, Influencers, Small business owners. It is most commonly reported in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and typically appears on LinkedIn.
Is linkedin verification badge scam getting worse?+
LinkedIn verification badge scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, UK, CA, DE. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.
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