Do you have a channel on YouTube? How\u2019s it doing \u2014 got more than a thousand subscribers yet? If so, you can expect a message something like this: \u201cWe\u2019re evaluating your request for monetizing your YouTube channel.\u201d The problem is, it might be fake.<\/p>\n
In the wake of recent campaigns targeting Instagram<\/a> and Twitter accounts, cyberthieves are now after YouTube creators.<\/p>\n More than a year has passed since YouTube last tightened its regulations on the requirements a channel\/creator must meet to monetize videos (the current ones date back to February 2018). These days, ad-supported channels need to comply with several criteria, including having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of overall watch time within the past 12 months. It\u2019s no wonder most YouTubers take a notification about a thorough account review extremely seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cOur team reviewed your channel. \u2026 We\u2019ve detected more than one violation in the process of reviewing your account,\u201d says the text under the official YouTube logo, which also notes that the enterprise controls all YouTube channels manually. Therefore, it asks you to fill in your data and send the e-mail back.<\/p>\n The information the phishers are asking you to give away includes your channel URL and your password. According to affected YouTubers, the fake notifications come to their public e-mail, not to the address they use to link to their channels (if they are different).<\/p>\n As soon as the phishers get your data, they try to take over your account. What for? Well, they might scam your followers (and not only yours) by running a phishing ad under your name, promoting a fake giveaway, announcing a contest with valuable prizes \u2026 and the list goes on. The possibilities are endless.<\/p>\n ATTN: @YouTube<\/a> creators @i1Tesla<\/a> @LikeTeslaKim @tesla_raj<\/a> @Model3Owners<\/a> @BenSullins @marc_benton<\/a> @TesLatino<\/a> @Teslatunity (plz tag others you know of). I got this phishing email today from \"editor.monetized.channel@gmail.com\" asking for my password. DO NOT RESPOND & REPORT IT pic.twitter.com\/GVWZ33YEMc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tesla Joy (@TeslaJoy) May 5, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWhat does this new YouTube scam look like, exactly?<\/h2>\n
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