Scammers have been making money off users seeking Instagram’s blue checkmark seal of approval.

No charge for the check

Instagram is tweaking a new feature that will remove some of the confusion behind its free verification process.

Some months back, Instagram introduced a system by which “all accounts that are notable and authentic” could apply to receive a blue checkmark.

According to Instagram, the blue checkmark is meant to represent “the authentic presence of the notable public figure, celebrity, global brand or entity it represents.”

Who’s authentic?

Fake sites have been fooling users into paying to receive their mark of authentication. Going forward, users will have to provide account usernames, their full names, as well as photo identification.

The platform is hoping the new clearer process will give more people an opportunity to apply and provide better safeguards against unscrupulous third parties.

Users have been swindled from $1500 to $15000 just to receive “certification.” Instagram is focusing on protecting its users, even the gullible ones, thanks to tighter community guidelines.

Have you received the blue check mark? What do you think about the new transparency push? Let us know in the comments below.