Yesterday, I was in the middle of a long day of filming. I stopped to check my phone, which was blowing up with notes from people about another imposter account on Instagram. Sigh.
If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, basically it’s some scammer creating a phony account using my images and name. These dirtbags send direct messages to followers pretending to offer tarot readings (or some such thing). Unsuspecting folks assume it’s legit, send money to some strange email that has zero connection to my business – and never get a reading.
Thankfully, my followers have gotten wise to this scam. They know how to spot fake accounts and are quick to report them. I’m vigilant as well so these jerks don’t stay up for long. (Psst…verifying accounts helps us to fight these imposters. Even though I’m a best-selling metaphysical author I cannot get the blue checkmark from Instagram or Twitter.)
Many of my fellow mystical service providers have also been dealing with these imposter accounts as well. It’s become like whack-a-mole lately.
Yesterday, one of the scam accounts simply grabbed someone else’s identity when I reported them. That shows you how scummy and relentless they are.
Part of the problem is Instagram’s response. While they do eventually take these accounts down, sometimes they are slow – or refuse because the account “doesn’t go against community standards.” You have to wonder what kind of community standards they have if they allow these imposters to hang around for even a minute.
Instagram also requires the legit account to provide proof of who they are. Isn’t there a way to verify people BEFORE they create an account?
Worse yet, if you report someone for copyright violation, Instagram shares your address with the scammer. Why?
This has gotten so bad many of us are contemplating leaving the platform. While there are many things to love about Instagram, if we and our followers cannot be safe, then it makes no sense to keep hanging around there. Instagram (and other social media spaces for that matter) should be a place to connect, share work, and have fun. If it becomes a chore where I’m constantly being forced to report imposters, it quickly loses any appeal.
While I’ve not made any decisions at this time, I am going to be thinking long and hard about my relationship with some of these social media platforms. If you’re a tarot reader, astrologer, or metaphysical practitioner, you may want to rethink this too.
Lovely hibiscus.
Other stuff:
My book got a nod in this post over on Well+Good: The 10 Best Astrology Books for Learning About Your Sign on a Whole New Level.
Here’s what you need to know to catch a social media scammer.
Be ready for tomorrow’s Full Moon in Aquarius: Full Moon in Aquarius August 2021 – and Tarot Readings for Each Zodiac Sign.
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From Shape: A Quick Guide to Egyptian Astrology.
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next.
Donate to WAW to help Afghan women.
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Apparently, this dress pisses people off: The Enduring Appeal of Those Viral Selkie Dresses.
This looks worthwhile: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.
Veronica Varlow has a new book coming out: Bohemian Magick: Witchcraft and Secret Spells to Electrify Your Life.
Check this out from Stanley Tucci: Taste: My Life Through Food.
OOOH: Tinseltown Tarot: A Look into Your Future Through the Golden Age of Hollywood.
How cute is this: Houseplant Tarot: A 78-Card Deck of Adorable Plants and Succulents for Magical Guidance.
Very interested in this book from Danielle Blackwood: A Lantern in The Dark: Navigate Life’s Crossroads with Story, Ritual, and Sacred Astrology.
Tarot For Kids just hit #1 on Amazon for New Releases in Children’s Mystery & Wonders Books! YAY!
Ready to learn tarot once and for all? Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading is the manual you’ve been waiting for.
If you prefer to listen to your tarot lessons, I’ve got your back: Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading is available as an audiobook.
Astrology can seem complicated. I break that puzzle down in Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious). Long story short: you CAN get this.
The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle is a collab between artist Shaheen Miro and yours truly. I know you’ll love this deck!
If you’re looking for a fun way to learn tarot, check out The Tarot Coloring Book.
When the world seems dark, you need tools to move through it. Tarot For Troubled Times has rituals, magic, advice, and tarot to help you navigate the world (and yours).
Classes
Join my Patreon Community! I am serving up extended card of the day interpretations, astrological tidbits, community tarot practice, political astrology, early sneak peeks to horoscopes, Hot Dates…and more. Higher tiers get access to live classes, replays of previous classes, mentoring, and more.
What I’m Grateful For:
Patient film folks
August is almost over
My husband is healing
Good doctors
Generous friends
Soundtrack for 8/14/21:
Betrayal by Trippie Redd feat. Drake
Blessings,
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2021
images from stock photography and personal collection
The post The Hit List – Instagram, We’ve Got a Problem appeared first on The Tarot Lady.
* This article was originally published here
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