Scam of the week: This LinkedIn warning is a phishing trap - WVVA

(WVVA) - In this week’s scam: you post something on LinkedIn and then see what looks like an official reply from LinkedIn’s website. The comment on your post warns that your account has been temporarily restricted because you violated the platform’s policies. It includes the LinkedIn logo and a link to resolve the issue and regain access. Don’t click that link. The comment is fake, even though it looks official. The “warning” is actually from a cybercriminal trying to trick you. If you click the link, you’ll land on a fake LinkedIn webpage with a “Verify your identity” button. If you click it and enter your username and password, scammers will steal your login information and take over your account. How the scam works You post something on LinkedIn A comment appears on your post claiming your account was restricted for violating policies The comment includes the LinkedIn logo and looks official You click the link to “resolve the issue” You arrive at a fake LinkedIn page asking you to verify your identity You enter your username and password to regain access Scammers now have your login credentials and can access your account Why it’s convincing LinkedIn is where many professionals share work updates and build their networks. A warning about account restrictions creates panic. The use of the official LinkedIn logo and urgent language makes victims more likely to act fast without questioning whether the message is real. Scammers count on people being worried about losing access to their professional accounts. What to do if you see a suspicious comment Do not click any link in a comment warning you about account restrictions or policy violations Remember that LinkedIn will not communicate policy violations through public comments on your posts If there is a real issue, LinkedIn will notify you through your account settings or official email Go directly to LinkedIn.com and sign in normally Check your account settings or notifications for any real messages from LinkedIn If you clicked the link and entered your password, change your LinkedIn password immediately from the official LinkedIn website Enable two-factor authentication on your LinkedIn account for added security Report the suspicious comment to LinkedIn so the platform can remove it and protect other users How to spot fake LinkedIn messages LinkedIn does not warn users about policy violations in public comments on posts Real LinkedIn notifications come through your inbox or account notifications, not through comments Look for signs of phishing, such as unusual sender information, links that don’t match linkedin.com, or urgent language designed to create panic If a message asks you to “verify your identity” or enter your password, it’s likely a scam Hover over links before clicking to see where they actually lead. Fake links often point to addresses that look similar to LinkedIn’s but aren’t Stay alert Scammers target LinkedIn because it’s where many people share professional information and connect with colleagues. When in doubt, contact LinkedIn directly through its official website or app, never through a link in a suspicious message. Copyright 2026 WVVA. All rights reserved.