Depending on the purpose and context of the social media platform, display images can convey personality, professionalism, interests or branding
Posted Date – Tue, 5/23/23 at 12:45am
A display picture, also commonly known as a profile picture or avatar, is an image that represents a user’s identity on different social media platforms.
Whenever a user posts, comments or engages with content on the platform, it displays an image next to the user’s name. It acts as a visual identifier that helps others identify and associate content or interactions with a particular user.
Depending on the purpose and context of the social media platform, display images can convey personality, professionalism, interests, or brand. You have to choose wisely and present yourself in a way that matches your goals and desired image.
You may be vulnerable to social engineering scams through profiles with falsely displayed images, so it is strongly recommended that you always research and verify the legitimacy of profiles and claims with trusted sources before making any final decisions.
Shows very little fraud around the picture
* Ransomware using morphed profile pictures – Scammers take the WhatsApp profile pictures of victims’ loved ones and manipulate them to create compromised images. Victims fear embarrassment and may feel compelled to pay to prevent the image from being shared.
* Fake Gift Vouchers from CEO Profiles – Scammers create fake WhatsApp profiles with DPs resembling CEOs/Senior Officials to send messages claiming and offering gift certificates (eg Apple gift certificates) to share with colleagues.
* Marriage Scams – DPs of attractive individuals on matrimonial sites are used to create fake profiles and then strike up conversations with potential brides/grooms to demand money.
* Social Media Lottery Scams – Scammers use a celebrity or wealthy person’s DP presentation to claim the victim has won a lottery or prize and demand personal information, fees or taxes to release the winnings.
*Fundraising Scams – Scammers create profiles with images showing sympathy, claiming they need financial assistance for medical, educational or social causes.
*Investment/Ponzi schemes – Scammers build profiles with DPs of successful investors/financial experts to gain credibility and offer false investment opportunities with false promises of high returns.
Protect display images on social platforms
* Adjust Privacy Settings – Check your privacy settings and make sure your display images are only visible to the desired audience.
* Watermark or Overlay – Consider adding a watermark or overlay to your display image as this will make it harder for others to pass off the image as their own and avoid using personal photos.
* Be mindful of content – avoid sharing sensitive or compromising images that could damage your reputation in the future.
* Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your social media accounts as it limits unauthorized access.
* Report Abuse – If you see someone using your showcase image without permission, please report it to the social media platform.
* Update DP regularly – Consider updating your display images regularly, it will prevent scammers from using outdated images and reduce the risk of your images being misused.
Report image abuse on social media
*Facebook: Click on the three-dot menu (…) on their profile ->; Find Support or Report Profile” option ->; Follow the instructions to report a problem.
*Instagram: Go to the profile of the account abusing the displayed image ->; click on the three dot menu (…) in the upper right corner ->; select the “Report” option ->; follow the instructions to report a problem.
*Twitter: Visit the profile of the account who is abusing the image you display ->; click on the three dot menu (More) located in the top right corner ->; select the “Report” option ->; follow the instructions to report the account.
* LinkedIn Go to the profile of the account that is abusing the picture you are showing ->; click on the three dot menu (More) located in the upper right corner ->; select the “Report/Block” option ->; follow the instructions to report the account.
* WhatsApp: Open a WhatsApp chat with the person who is abusing the picture you display ->; tap the three-dot menu (more options) in the upper right corner ->; select “Report” ->; follow the instructions to report the account.
