BBB Tip: Meta’s new subscription service – here’s what you need to know
Published 3:15 p.m. Wednesday 22 February 2023
Meta founder Mark Zuckerburg announced Sunday that the company is rolling out Meta Verified, a paid “blue verification badge” for Facebook and Instagram that will be available later this week. According to the press release, the monthly subscription service includes a verification badge, protection from fake accounts, increased visibility, priority customer service, and other exclusive features.
Twitter previously announced its blue tick program.
As with any new program, there can be initial confusion as to what it all means, and scammers are just waiting to get their hands on it
every new opportunity. Make sure you know the facts and protect yourself from future scammers. BBB is a trusted resource that helps consumers and businesses find accurate information.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Normal Facebook and Instagram users don’t have to pay anything. Subscription service is an option to help creators and businesses build their communities.
• Optional Meta Subscription Service is $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 for the iOS and Android apps. Twitter’s blue check is $8 per month for web and $11 for iOS and Android. Twitter also announced a premium for its new secure text messaging program.
• Meta Verified is only available in New Zealand and Australia this week (2/21/23), but may soon expand globally and eventually to business accounts. Twitter Blue is available in many countries including the US and Canada.
• Users must meet minimum requirements, be at least 18 years old and present government-issued ID that matches name and photo on Facebook and Instagram to be eligible for a verification badge. Watch out for potential scams:
• Watch out for phishing emails, SMS, and direct messages that offer upgrades to your Facebook or Instagram accounts. Don’t send a photo of your government issued ID to a scammer!
• Visit the BBB Detect Scam page to see what fake emails, texts and websites can look like.
• Older adults may be more vulnerable to cheating. Assure your friends and family that they don’t have to pay anything at the moment.
• Beware of scammers pretending to be from Meta, Facebook or Instagram. In December, Twitter experienced a surge in fake verified accounts following the launch of Twitter Blue.
• Always check links before clicking on them; go straight to the source.
• Check all information for facts. Head straight to the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter help pages if you’re not sure.
