Earlier this month, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, officially launched Threads, a new social media platform and its competitor to Twitter

Instagram users with an iPhone or Android can use the new Meta app to make and interact with public text posts. Threads bills itself as “a new way to share with text.”   Threads reached 100 million users in its first five days.

As with any social media channel, the Better Business Bureau advises consumers to read up on Threads before signing up. When services are new, scammers might use the situation to launch phishing campaigns, impostor websites, or other tactics. The best way to protect yourself is to be informed about new services and common scams.

If you’re new to Threads, here is what you need to know:

• Threads is free. You do not need to pay to sign up.
• You must have an Instagram account to use Threads. Existing Instagram users may be asked directly in the Instagram app if they want to download Threads. Threads is a separate app from Instagram, but you will log in using your Instagram account credentials.
• Your Instagram followers can carry over to Threads.
• You must have an iPhone or Android device to use Threads.
• If you delete your Threads account, you must also delete your Instagram account. You can deactivate your Threads account,  which will also deactivate  your Instagram account. It’s worth considering the connection between the accounts before you sign up.

Here’s how to protect yourself from potential scams:

• Don’t fall for phishing. Watch out for phishing emails, texts, and messages claiming to come from Threads, Instagram, or Meta. Be skeptical of any messages insisting that you must pay to use Threads. Visit BBB’s Spot a Scam page to see examples of phishing messages.
• Beware of impostors. If an account claims to represent Threads, Meta, or Instagram, check it carefully. BBB’s Spot a Scam page can help you spot fake social media accounts.
• Check before you click. Before you click any link in an email, text, or direct message, go directly to the source.
• Do your research. If you’re unsure about any information you receive in a private message, you can go to Threads’ or Instagram’s help pages to verify it.
• Consider making your profile private in Threads’ Settings menu, which means only approved followers can interact with your posts and replies. This can help prevent scammers from contacting you through your account.

Threads is available on the iOS App Store and the Android Play Store.

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels