If you’re hearing about LinkedIn Rentage for the first time, you’re in luck because in this article, I will be looking at the potential risks in renting out your account to a third party. LinkedIn as you may have known is a social and business-oriented network that connects professionals, and businesses together. Through this platform, job seekers can get jobs posted by business owners, corporations and companies. Aside from this, you can also build your brand. It is a platform that can help showcase your skill set, area of interest and your professional life. 

LinkedIn rentage occurs when an individual rents out his LinkedIn account for a fee. In a recent advert I saw, a recruiter requests for LinkedIn users whose accounts are at least a year old, with five hundred or more connections to rent out their account with a promised earning of $30 monthly. What makes the advert not entirely innocent is that you have to divulge your password and log out from the said account while the third-party has uninterrupted access to it. According to the recruiter, the LinkedIn profiles are used for advertisement purposes. While renting out your LinkedIn account may seem a quick way to make money, there are potential risks inherent in doing this. As a subscriber to LinkedIn or other social apps, your personal information is very sensitive. Imagine for a second what could happen if your information gets into the wrong hands? Your information could be used against you.

Potential Risks in Renting Out Your LinkedIn Account 

• Security Risks

One of the major risks in renting out your account on LinkedIn is security risk. Renting out accounts can lead to unauthorized access to personal and professional information. This not only puts your privacy in harm’s way, it also puts your network at risk also. This could create an avenue where your networks are scammed, and this will jeopardize your reputation.

• Misinformation

Third parties may use rented accounts to spread false information. When false information is widespread, many would mistake it for the truth. This can cause chaos and civil unrest in the society. Moreover, third parties can also engage in fraudulent activities. This will damage your credibility, and it will also harm your networks. 

• Violation of Terms of Service

Renting out your account to a third party is a clear violation of LinkedIn terms of use. Your account is for personal use. It is not something that two individuals can share. That is the reason your account is passworded. Also, you are equally asked to do two-step verification to prevent unauthorized access to your account. When you rent out your account, it can be permanently suspended. Imagine the damage this will do to the brand you’re building or have already built. This can also lead to lengthy repercussions on your professional profile. 

• Damage to Your Professional Reputation

A rented account, if used unethically, can damage your professional reputation as the original account owner. You can lose trust before employers. If the rented account is used unethically, it can tarnish your professional reputation as the original account holder. Even employers and your colleagues will lose trust in your professional integrity.

• Negative Impact on LinkedIn’s Credibility

LinkedIn rentage can affect even the credibility of the social app. The trust that they have built over the years can be destroyed when there is proliferation of account rentage. The widespread practice of account rentals can undermine the trust and authenticity that LinkedIn has built over the years. It can lead to a decrease in the number of users. When this happens, individuals will develop a skeptical mindset that LinkedIn is not a credible platform.

How Can You Protect Your LinkedIn Account?

1. Be Vigilant 

If you notice suspicious activity on your LinkedIn account, report it immediately.

2. Protect Personal Information

Your personal information is your life. If you lose it, you have already lost your life. So, avoid sharing your personal information with others. 

3. Stay Informed

Always keep abreast with up-to-date LinkedIn policies and guidelines so as to ensure compliance and mitigate suspension.

4. Encourage Ethical Use 

Promote and endorse the ethical use of LinkedIn within your professional network and discourage any form of account rentals.

There are ethical ways of making money from LinkedIn account. One of these is by building your professional brand as this elevates you to a position where your connections can engage your expertise with monetary exchange as reward. This is far better than renting out your LinkedIn account which can permanently damage your reputation.

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