(The Source and did not respond to emailed requests for comment.) One source said some clients were told to rent a recording studio and post photos on Instagram that made it look like they were working on music. They often bought fake comments and likes for clients’ Instagram posts to make the accounts look popular and purchased fake streams for songs on Spotify, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the operation. The people running the scheme also purchased articles promoting fake artists and their music on websites, including hip-hop publications like The Source and, a music and culture site affiliated with rapper 50 Cent.
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They credited composers with nonsense names such as “rhusgls stadlhvs” and “kukyush fhehjer.” The Meta employees tasked with reviewing the musician verification applications apparently failed to listen to the tracks or look too closely. The songs uploaded to client profiles were often nothing more than basic looping beats or, in at least one case, extended periods of dead air.
The verification scheme identified by ProPublica exploited music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as Google search, to create fake musician profiles. (Meta is reportedly working on enhancing its customer support.) The result is a steady supply of well-heeled customers willing to pay five figures to get verified. Others covet the blue tick as a status symbol. They see a badge as one of few options available that can help them protect their accounts and business. They also run the constant risk of malicious actors fabricating evidence and filing user reports to convince Instagram to ban their accounts. Some influencers and models told ProPublica they face a barrage of impostor accounts trying to run scams to trick their fans. Influencers, socialites, models, businesspeople and all manner of clout chasers rely on Instagram to flaunt their lifestyle, generate income and establish a personal brand. It also underscores how Instagram’s growth and cachet combines with poor customer support and lax oversight to create a thriving black market in verification services and account takedowns for hire. The scheme, which likely generated millions in revenue for its operators, illustrates how easily major social, search and music platforms can be exploited to create fake personas with real-world consequences, such as monetizing a verified account. He has told media outlets he intends to vigorously defend himself against the class-action suit. Jugenburg did not respond to a phone message left at his Toronto practice or to emails detailing evidence that he had paid for his Instagram verification. They lost their badges approximately two weeks ago and did not respond to requests for comment.
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That includes the accounts of Mike Vazquez and Lexie Salameh, two stars of the MTV reality show “Siesta Key.” Rather than get verified for their TV work, they were falsely branded online as musicians in order to receive verification. In response to information provided by ProPublica and the findings of its own investigation, Meta has so far removed fraudulently applied verification badges from more than 300 Instagram profiles, and continues to review accounts. Verified Spotify profiles for MTV “Siesta Key” stars Mike Vazquez and Lexie Salameh were removed after ProPublica reached out.
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