The Hit List - The Instagram Imposter Syndrome

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed it is swarming with tons of imposter accounts, especially for metaphysical creators. I’ve written about this before and so have others.

Here are a few good posts on the topic to catch you up to speed:

Instascam – Fraud and the Online Occult Community by Storm Faerywolf

How to Spot a Spiritual Impersonator Scam on Instagram (And What To Do) by Mat Auryn

Psychics and Astrologers are Huge on Instagram. Now Scammers are Impersonating Them by LA Times.

Instagram “Smash and Grab” Imposters Peddle Fake Psychic and Tarot Readings by Heather Greene

Lately, it seems as if it’s gotten worse. Many folks, like myself, are getting hit with impersonation accounts every single day. Instagram is lax about taking them down. For example, as of this writing, I have two active imposters. You can see them here and here. One of these imposters has successfully scammed someone.

I’ve filed reports but Instagram has done nothing. In fact, they sent me this email:

We have fewer people available to review your request due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We’re only able to review requests for the most urgent cases. This means we can’t review your case right now. Please try again at a later date. Thank you for understanding.

The Instagram Team

How is impersonating a business NOT urgent? And why is Covid their new excuse?

For content creators, this creates a terrible conundrum. Removing imposters should be a priority for them. Keeping their audience safe should be an “urgent” matter.

I’m not sure how any of this is going to play out in the future but I will say this: if Instagram continues to allow fraudulent accounts to flourish unchecked, many businesses and content creators will leave. Some of us have already been moving over to Vero or spending less time on Instagram.

Think about it this way: if you go to a club every Friday and you got robbed every time, would you keep going? Probably not. That’s what’s happening on Instagram right now – and at some point, it’s not going to be the cool place to go.

Thanks to tarot nerds for this great template!

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Over at Bustle: How The Pluto Return In The U.S. In 2022 Will Affect Each Sign.

From Self: The Relentless Reality of Anti-Fatness in Fitness.

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From Oprah Daily: How to Start a Bullet Journal in the Middle of the Year.

For Angela Davis and Gina Dent, Abolition Is the Only Way.

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Oooh this looks interesting: The Wild and Sacred Feminine Deck: A 52-Card Oracle and Guidebook.

I want this: Awakening Astrology: Five Key Planetary Energies for Personal Transformation.

Anabel Gat has a new book coming out: The Moon Sign Guide: An Astrological Look at Your Inner Life.

The perfect gentle tarot deck for youngsters and the young at heart: Tarot For Kids.

Flex your psychic muscles with Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading, a comprehensive guide to intuitive tarot reading.

If you prefer to listen to your tarot lessons, check this out: Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading is available as an audiobook.

Can’t seem to make heads or tails out of astrology? Relax and get this: Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious).

The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle is a beautiful collage-style deck from Shaheen Miro. I wrote the guidebook with him!

Coloring + tarot = a fun way to learn! Get your crayons and a copy of The Tarot Coloring Book and let’s play!

Feeling blue about the state of the world? Tarot For Troubled Times is a loving book with rituals, tarot spreads, and more. The antidote to bad news!

Get your pre-orders ready: Create Your Own Tarot Cards: A step-by-step guide to designing a unique and personalized tarot deck and Twist Your Fate: Manifest Success with Astrology and Tarot. (I’ve been busy!)

Classes

Calling all Tarot beginners! If you’re a newbie—and barely know anything about Tarot—this class is for you: Tarot For Beginners Live Video Workshop. A four-part series to get you started reading with confidence!

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