Become a brand ambassador
DM for collab, promote your picture on, become our brand ambassador. Sounds familiar? I am sure it does. We receive such messages everyday and honestly, there is not much you can do about it.
The appeal of becoming a brand ambassador has spurred both excitement and scams in the ever-changing landscape of social media. As the internet world grows, so are the number of fraudulent schemes aimed at individuals willing to represent brands. Identifying these frauds is critical for protecting yourself and your online reputation.
The ultimate guide in recognizing frauds and scams in social media
DM for collab
Have you received such a comment after posting on your Instagram account for example? These brands are most likely employing bot accounts to automate these remarks if using a specific hashtag, or by commenting on or following a specific account. These kind of messages “DM to collab” comments are completely illegitimate and you will just loose precious time and nerves to get rid of it.
As an example I have posted some screenshots with these comments from my personal account as well as from the account created for our dog Brutus.
You receive messages but not from a main social media account
Using bots to automate likes, comments, direct messages, to generate engagement is against Instagram’s terms of service. To keep safe their brand accounts, they deploy many bot accounts to identify influencers to promote their products. Best advice would be to either block but also report such accounts.
- The status of being an ambassador is offered even if you have 45 followers which is odd
They offer immediately the status of being an ambassador finding your content amazing or cute. It`s totally fine to accept such collaborations of being an ambassador but make sure it is a legit account and brand.
Using pictures to promote their ”ambassadors”, the account does not exist like this They offer discounts immediately for products and discount codes for your followers
Brands will never ask for money unless you agree to be reimbursed according to a contract. Moreover scammers ask you to make an order for at least 3 products without paying them only the shipping. This actually means that you will pay those products.
- Conversation only via messages
The entire discussion is only via a DM and there are no other ways in contacting the brand. If you engage in a discussion you will receive bot and automatic replies as per the example above. A real brand will never engage in such practices.
Always perform comprehensive research to protect oneself from social media scammers promising ambassadorial opportunities. Check the credibility of brands, look over their internet presence, get clarification on collaboration agreements, and never be afraid to ask questions. Genuine brand alliances value openness, professionalism, and mutual respect.
Text by Yle Bălăceanu, pics are from the social media account yle_balaceanu and life_of_brutus
