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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
From the bureau: What you need to know about Threads
Check out social media apps before signing up
By Bobby Hansen, - Better Business Bureau
Sep. 3, 2023 5:00 am
Threads is a new social media platform built by Meta, Facebook, and Instagram’s parent company. Instagram users with an iPhone or Android can use the app to make and interact with public text posts.
Threads bills itself as “a new way to share with text.”
As with any social media channel, the Better Business Bureau advises consumers read up on Threads before signing up. When services are new, scammers might use the situation to launch phishing campaigns, impostor websites or other tactics.
The best way to protect yourself is to be informed about new services and common scams.
What to know
- Threads is free. You do not have to pay to sign up.
- You must have an Instagram account to use Threads. Existing Instagram users may be asked directly in the Instagram app if they want to download Threads. Threads is a separate app from Instagram, but you will log in using your Instagram account credentials.
- Your Instagram followers can carry over to Threads and your username and verification status.
- You must have an iPhone or Android device. Threads is available on the iOS App Store and the Android Play Store.
- If you delete your Threads account, you also must delete your Instagram account. You can deactivate your Threads account, which also will deactivate your Instagram account. It’s worth considering the connection between the accounts before you sign up.
Potential scams
Here’s how to protect yourself from potential scams:
- Don’t fall for phishing. Watch out for phishing emails, texts and messages claiming to come from Threads, Instagram or Meta. Be skeptical of any messages insisting that you must pay to use Threads. Visit BBB’s Spot a Scam page to see examples of phishing messages.
- Beware of impostors. If an account claims to represent Threads, Meta or Instagram, check it carefully. BBB’s Spot a Scam page can help you spot fake social media accounts.
- Check before you click. Before you click any link in an email, text or direct message, go directly to the source.
- Do your research. If you’re unsure about any information you receive in a private message, you can go to Threads’ or Instagram’s help pages to verify it. You always can visit BBB.org for accurate information and help protect yourself and others by reporting a scam to BBB’s Scam Tracker.
- Adjust your account privacy settings. Consider making your profile private in Threads’ Settings menu, which means only approved followers can interact with your posts and replies. This can help prevent scammers from contacting you through your account.
For more information, check BBB's social media scams page for more tips for you and your loved ones.
Bobby Hansen is regional director for the Better Business Bureau Cedar Rapids office. Comments: (319) 365-1190; info@dm.bbb.org.
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