Bengaluru Woman Reveals Hackers Requesting to Rent LinkedIn Accounts for Profit

A Growing Concern for Professionals

A woman from Bengaluru has sparked a heated debate on social media after sharing her experience of being approached by a stranger seeking to rent her LinkedIn account. The incident has raised concerns about the increasing number of online scams targeting professionals, and whether LinkedIn accounts are being rented out like other digital assets.

The Shocking Proposal

Nikhita Anil, a senior brand marketing manager, revealed that a stranger contacted her with a proposal to rent her LinkedIn account for a period of time in exchange for a sum of money. The individual claimed that "certain companies" needed access to LinkedIn accounts to expand their market, and Nikhita was offered $20 per week for her account.

How the Scheme Operates

Nikhita shared screenshots of the conversation, which provided insight into the workings of the scheme. The sender explained that the account holder would be required to provide the password and log in to their account, with some restrictions. The sender stated that if LinkedIn detected any suspicious activity, the user would be required to lift the restriction.

Cybersecurity Experts Warn Against Such Practices

Nikhita questioned whether this practice was becoming a new form of online scam targeting professionals. Cybersecurity experts warn against sharing login credentials with unknown parties, as it can lead to identity theft, data breaches, and professional reputational damage.

The Growing Concern

The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with users expressing concerns about the increasing number of online scams targeting professionals. As of now, LinkedIn has not issued an official response regarding the claims, but cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of maintaining account security and avoiding such practices.

The Risks and Consequences

Cybersecurity experts stress that sharing login credentials with unknown parties can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Identity theft and data breaches
• Professional reputational damage
• Potential legal repercussions for the account holder

A Call to Action

The incident has raised awareness about the importance of online security and the need for professionals to be vigilant about sharing sensitive information. Nikhita’s experience serves as a reminder to be cautious when interacting with strangers online and to prioritize account security.