Lately, I’ve noticed a curious trend on LinkedIn—people commenting on my posts or messaging me with phrases like, "Send me connection please." This might seem harmless at first, but why wouldn’t they just send me a request directly? After all, that’s how LinkedIn is designed to work, right?
This got me wondering: could there be a hidden reason behind this growing behavior? As I dug deeper, I realized that there are several reasons why some people—often scammers or low-quality connections—may prefer that you send them the request.
- Avoiding LinkedIn’s Spam Filters LinkedIn has systems to monitor unusual behaviors, like sending too many connection requests too quickly. If someone’s account is flagged for sending numerous requests, they may face restrictions. By asking you to send the request, they avoid these spam filters and get a free pass to connect with you.
- Psychological Influence When you send the request, it subtly shifts the balance of trust. Since you initiated the connection, you might feel more inclined to trust them or believe they have something valuable to offer. Scammers know this and may use it as a psychological tactic to lower your guard.
- Increased Profile Access By becoming your direct connection, they may gain more access to your LinkedIn profile and potentially your network, depending on your privacy settings. This can allow them to gather more details about you, which can be used for social engineering, targeted marketing, or even scams.
- Building Credibility for Their Profile Having legitimate professionals in their network can give scammers an air of credibility. When someone glances at their profile and sees established connections, it makes them appear more trustworthy, which can help them connect with even more unsuspecting individuals.
- Setting the Stage for Future Scams Once you’ve initiated the connection, it may be easier for them to reach out with further communication—whether it’s irrelevant pitches, spam messages, or even phishing attempts. You’re more likely to engage with them because you’ve already taken the first step.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking, but staying vigilant is key. Here are a few tips for handling connection requests (and requests to send them!):
- Let Them Send the Request: If someone truly wants to connect with you, they should have no problem sending you a request directly. If they ask you to send one instead, consider it a potential red flag.
- Check Their Profile: Take a closer look at their profile. Do they have a clear, professional-looking profile photo? Is there a detailed work history? Be cautious of profiles with limited information, overly generic bios, or few connections.
- Look for Mutual Connections: If you don’t have mutual connections, proceed carefully, especially if they’re not in your industry or location. Scammers often target broad audiences with no specific relevance.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. It’s okay to be selective about who you connect with. Quality connections are far more valuable than quantity.
- Use LinkedIn’s Reporting Features: If you suspect someone is attempting to scam you, LinkedIn provides reporting options. By reporting suspicious activity, you can help keep the platform safe for others.
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for building meaningful connections, but as with all online interactions, it’s essential to stay vigilant. The next time someone asks you to "send them a connection," pause and consider why. Remember, genuine professionals will respect your boundaries and won’t hesitate to connect in the usual way.
Let’s keep LinkedIn a trusted space for authentic connections! Has anyone else noticed this trend? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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