'Apply for Your Verification Badge' Scam
A message offers to get you a verification badge (blue check) and either phishes your login or charges a fake fee for a badge you never receive.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You're told you're eligible for a verification badge or can 'get verified' quickly, and are directed to a link to 'apply.' The page either phishes your account credentials and 2FA (to take over your account) or collects a payment for a service that delivers nothing. Scammers target aspiring creators and businesses who want credibility. Verification is applied for only through the platform's official settings, following its real criteria.
What it usually looks like
- An offer/eligibility notice for a verification badge.
- An 'apply here' link to verify or pay.
- A fake login or a fee for 'fast verification.'
- Flattery about your eligibility.
Common warning signs
- 'Apply for verification' links from DMs/emails.
- Fees for a badge from a third party.
- Requests for login and 2FA.
- Non-official sites.
Example wording scammers use
“Congratulations! Your account qualifies for verification. Apply here to get your blue badge: verify-badge-apply.net”
“Get verified fast for a one-time fee — guaranteed approval.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your account login and 2FA, or a fake fee.
- To take over accounts or take payment.
- To exploit desire for credibility.
What to do
- Apply for verification only through the platform's official settings.
- Don't pay third parties or click 'apply' links in DMs/emails.
- Enable two-factor and review login activity.
- Report the message.
What to do if you already responded
- Change your password, revoke sessions, and check account access.
- Dispute any fee with your card issuer.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.