I’m fairly open about how people connect on LinkedIn. You want to be an open networker, I’m with you. You want to be a closed networker, hey if it works for you great. Whichever way you choose you still have a obligation to those you connect with to guard the information you have gained through the connection. It really would not be cool to do something like downloading your contacts to a csv file and then trade your file with others like Topp’s Baseball cards.
Here is a LinkedIn message that I received (I’ve chosen to remove the identifying information. I have left some references so that you will recognize the message should you receive it)
“Hi Sean,
My name is xxxx xxxxx and I am a Member of Super Open Networkers Group (SON) and I would like to exchange my CSV. file contact list with you in exchange for yours.
I am in New York City attending events leading up to my daughter’s wedding in August but will return to my office on Sunday. I would very much like to exchange connection lists with you at that time. In the meantime you can check me out at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/xxxxxxxx Email: xxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Best Regards
xxxx xxxxxxxx(SON)
I’m not certain if this is a real person or a fake account that’s been set up in order to use to collect emails. If its real then the person sending the message doesn’t have a clue. If its fake its just another reminder that not all is as it seems on LinkedIn. Or any other social network for that matter.
I’m all for open networking on LinkedIn, but this stretches the limit an is just wrong. What do you think?
Social Media Sonar provides the following four resources for FREE… 1. The Blog, 2. The Online Marketing/Social Media Blueprint, 3. Conversion Rate Optimization Guide, 4. Resource Center. If these help you implement your own online marketing program, great. We love helping people. If you decide you need some help, great. We love new clients. Contact Us if we can help you.
Related posts:
About Sean Nelson
I agree with you. I've received such requests and delete them.
Sean,
I agree with the fact that whoever is doing this does not get what LinkedIn is all about. Unfortunately, spamming is a consequence that we all have to pay for because there are those few who abuse the system. Good reminder though to be aware of these things
Hi Sean.
I received that exact email and my first thought was – delete. And that's exactly what I did.
Sean-
Thank you for posting this. I realize that there are many 'scams' on the Internet and that it is difficult to find them all.
However, I recently saw a job posting in another LinkedIn group with claims of making up to $45/hour. Of course it was a scam. Actually, Fraud. The person was sending out fraudulent checks with real bank account numbers and then wanting the receiver to send the money Western Union. I reported it to LinkedIn. They removed the account from their system. Not to my surprise, this same person again posted the same “job” in the same group, but with a different email address. I reported that one too.
I like LinkedIn. Both myself and my husband use it for professional networking. It's a great tool and resource. However, I find it frustrating and disheartening that LinkedIn is lacking technology to shut down these types of 'accounts' that are obvious cases of misuse and fraud. If FaceBook can do it, why can't LinkedIn? They have not even sent out communications to users to warn them of these scams.
I think that in today's age of technology and with the economy where it is (with so many people of out work) LinkedIn is a good resource and tool. However, if LinkedIn does not do something about these people who are scamming others through LinkedIn, they are going to lose their good reputation and it will no longer remain a professional network.
Sean,
I received a similar email last week. I deleted it right away. Unfortunately a few bad apples make it difficult on those of us trying to be good citizens.
Ed,
I agree on the few bad apples. fortunately these are few and far between.
Sean
Kim,
I agree that with the technology LinkedIn needs to do a better job. But I also believe that its up to each user to report issues, like you did.
People just need to be aware that there are folks out there who will try to take advantage of you in social media like anywhere else.
Thanks for the comment.
Sean
David,
Good to see you here again. The delete button works in email, works in social media.
Sean
Thanks for the comment Rick.
Thanks Randy for joining the conversation.
Sean