Facebook Fake account have been around as long as Facebook as been around. There had been rumors from the very beginning that most of the social networks were founded on fake accounts. But that did not deter the large businesses struggling to get their products seen by more people to jump in with both feet to capture what were to them unbelievable large numbers of consumers.
Fake Has Been Around for Years
Most of these stories came from people or businesses who report they were hired by Facebook..or businesses who had huge investments in Facebook advertisements…to set up hundreds or thousands of Fake Accounts for the purpose of making a particular business or a ‘A List’ of businesses look popular in hopes it would lure the few Real People who were using Facebook.
No Way to Prove It
Since there is no way to validate any of the reports being produced showing proof one way or the other, this business model continued up until the economy pushed many big businesses back to the streets to find out what is real in marketing. The real world produces a reality business managers need to determine what is ..well…real.
Since their sales were not matching anywhere near the potential of their booming online social presences this inconsistency only fueled the suspicion that something was not Real about the large numbers they were showing as being in their audience. There was a lot of chatter, but not cash flow.
This issues is starting to blow up on Facebook..and soon Twitter. Here is a great article on what we will be hearing more from over the next few months.