LinkedIn is a professional networking platform used by millions of people around the world to connect with colleagues, find jobs, share content, and build their professional brand. An important feature of LinkedIn is the ability to privately message other members through LinkedIn chats.
With any online communication channel, there are risks involved when chatting with strangers. However, there are steps you can take to keep your LinkedIn chats professional, productive, and secure.
The benefits of LinkedIn chats
When used appropriately, LinkedIn chats allow you to:
- Directly contact connections to develop relationships
- Communicate with recruiters and potential employers
- Ask questions and provide advice as a mentor or industry expert
- Share ideas and collaborate with colleagues
- Follow up after meeting someone at an event or conference
Messaging on LinkedIn can lead to valuable professional connections and opportunities. Sending the first message takes initiative and can demonstrate interest in networking with someone.
Potential risks of LinkedIn chats
While LinkedIn chats are intended for professional use, there are some risks to consider:
- Strangers can contact you without a connection request
- Scammers may try to bait you into shady propositions
- You could reveal too much personal or sensitive information
- Misunderstandings can occur more easily over written communication
- Disputes can arise if expectations are unclear
To avoid problems, you need to be prudent about who you chat with and what information you share.
How to chat safely on LinkedIn
Here are some best practices for chatting securely on LinkedIn:
1. Connect first
LinkedIn allows you to message anyone, even if you’re not connected. But messaging strangers greatly increases your risk of encountering scammers or inappropriate communication. Ideally, chat with people who you’re already connected with.
2. Be selective
Check a member’s profile before responding to a chat. Make sure they have an established professional profile before chatting with them. Ignore messages from anyone suspicious.
3. Keep chats professional
LinkedIn is for professional networking and job searching, not socializing. Keep your conversations focused on professional topics like career advice, industry trends, networking invitations, etc.
4. Avoid oversharing
Be cautious about revealing too much personal information like your address, birthday, financial details, etc. Scammers and bad actors can use this to take advantage of you.
5. Use the same comunication etiquette as in-person meetings
You wouldn’t say something inappropriate when networking at a conference, so maintain the same decorum over LinkedIn chat. Be polite, respectful, and considerate.
6. Move lengthy conversations offline
Have an introductory chat on LinkedIn, but then switch to phone, email, or video chat for more in-depth discussions. This adds another layer of security.
7. Report suspicious activity
If someone asks you for money, threats, inappropriate pictures or conversation, report them using LinkedIn’s reporting feature. This can get their account restricted or removed.
8. Use common sense
If a chat makes you uncomfortable or appears risky, politely end the conversation. Trust your instincts to avoid problematic situations. Over time, you’ll develop a sense for red flags.
9. Adjust your settings
In Settings & Privacy, adjust your messaging preferences and profile visibility. For example, you can limit who can message you based on their profile and shared connections.
Scams and threats to watch out for
Here are some specific risks to keep in mind when chatting on LinkedIn:
Romance scams
Scammers try forming a relationship to manipulate you into sending money. Don’t get pulled into unclear or suspicious opportunities by someone you just met online.
Recruitment scams
Fraudsters pose as recruiters and offer phony interviews for fake job opportunities, often requesting upfront payment for training or fees.
Phishing
Watch for chats asking you to enter login credentials or personal information onto sketchy websites. This gives scammers access to your accounts.
MLM schemes
Multi-level marketing reps may try recruiting you through messaging to join questionable “business opportunities” or buy products.
Malware links
Interactions with hackers can involve links to download malware. This gives them access to your computer and data.
How LinkedIn protects your chats
LinkedIn has security measures in place to protect messaging:
- End-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats
- Security tools to detect suspicious behavior and content
- Visibility limits based on your connections and preferences
- The ability to unfollow, block, and report problematic accounts
While these safeguards help, you should still be careful about who you chat with and what information you share.
Conclusion
LinkedIn chats can be safe when used responsibly for professional reasons. Avoid strangers, scams, inappropriate content, and oversharing personal details. With caution and common sense, you can productively network on LinkedIn while keeping your chats secure.
