CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, started charging users to verify their accounts, and some people are taking advantage of the new system.

The Better Business Bureau says it's received reports of phishing scams where con artists go after verified accounts, which could lead to a world of trouble.

BBB President and CEO of the Southern Piedmont and Western North Carolina Tom Bartholomy says it starts with a message to verified users that says their account has been flagged, so they must “re-verify” it.

“[Scammers] pose as X/Twitter. They pose as Facebook and reach out to these companies and individuals who have these accounts and say, ‘Hey the information we had — we couldn’t verify something, so your account’s been put on hold, suspended, until we can get this corrected,’” Bartholomy said. “And up comes a little pop-up or a little link for you to click on to get this taken care of, and that’s where they get you.”

Bartholomy added that scammers will ask for information about your company and even your credit card number, but warns if they don’t already have your credit card number or at least the last four numbers, it’s a scam.

He says they have advanced technology, and they’re using it once you hand over your personal information.

You can avoid this scam by double checking with the platform’s policy, and steering clear of unsolicited messages, poor grammar and scare tactics.