One of the fake accounts also had its location mentioned as Beijing, China, and had at least 32,000 followers.

One account, listed as WIRED’s “co-owner,” used the name of a senior member of WIRED’s editorial staff and was advertising a suspicious financial scheme.

LinkedIn continues to be one of the most powerful tools in your social media toolbox for business connections and opportunities. Don’t let it be spoiled by fake accounts, bots or spammers.

Even when someone looks up his name outside of LinkedIn, they can see the elite education and work background without clicking on his profile. “Every inch counts,” he says.

LinkedIn facilitates verification in three ways that are all free to individual users. The most low-key option launching today is to verify your current employer by receiving a security code on ...