The practice in question involves acquiring Facebook profiles purported to be based in the United States, typically in bulk, through unofficial channels. These profiles are often sought for purposes such as marketing campaigns, boosting social media presence, or engaging in activities that may violate Facebook’s terms of service. A hypothetical scenario includes a business aiming to quickly increase the perceived popularity of its Facebook page by purchasing a large number of what appear to be U.S.-based followers.
The appeal of obtaining these profiles stems from several factors. The demographic targeting capabilities of Facebook’s advertising platform become more refined with a larger, geographically specific user base. Furthermore, a perceived U.S. presence can lend an air of credibility or trustworthiness, particularly for businesses targeting American consumers. Historically, the drive to inflate social media metrics has led to the development of a shadow market where such profiles are readily available for purchase, despite the inherent risks involved.
