How fake profiles on LinkedIn gain trust

And then it comes, the private message from the beautiful Anna…

LinkedIn is a network for professionals. At least in theory. In practice, fake profiles are increasingly mingling with real users.

Often with deceptively real pictures, fictitious CVs and one goal: to build trust in order to later sell something, collect data or simply grab attention.

The typical introduction

"Hi, I'm Anna. I don't know why LinkedIn keeps recommending your profile to me. Have we met before?"

Anyone who receives this message should be alert. It's usually not a genuine interest, but rather a staged attempt to provoke a reaction. The pattern is always similar.

How fake profiles work

◉ Professional image

Usually an attractive woman or a well-styled man in a business environment. Often AI-generated or stolen from stock image sources.

◉ Sounding job title

“Partner Fashion Industry,” “Investor,” or “Founder” – without verifiable history, links, or company affiliation.

◉ Emotional CV

Supposedly worked from the bottom up, with quotes like “You can still shine alone in the crowd” or “Your destiny is determined by yourself”.

◉ 500+ contacts

Provides more credibility, but can be easily built through mass inquiries.

Goal of the game: Build trust

Whether it is later about crypto, coaching, lead generation or Romance scam goes – the pattern is always the same.

First comes the friendly attempt to make contact, then personal messages, then a link, an offer or another “private channel”.

What to do if you suspect a fake?

➡️ Check profile

Are there real interactions, real contributions, or real career stages?

➡️ Check picture

A reverse Google search often shows whether the image is real or stolen.

➡️ Do not reply

No friendly rejection either, that just shows that you are active.

➡️ Report directly

LinkedIn offers a simple function for this directly on the profile.

Beauty is not a business model

If “Anna” suddenly wants to know if you know each other, the answer is usually: No.

And it should stay that way…

Sierks Media / © Photo: Humphrey M, Unsplash