Over the last couple of days I’ve gotten a few direct message from people and businesses that just didn’t look right, with links attached. I obviously didn’t click on them for this reason however since then I notice a few more so let it might be help to make a posting on the matter.

This is so important as this is your brand that someone could be messing around with.

One of the examples of what is coming through was a hook trying to get you to click on the link. There was a little rude so I won’t include that as an example. I work with Hootsuite so I have a link previewer which is certainly helpful on occasions where your not to sure about the DM. (Direct Message)

So what do you do if your account has been compromised?

Have you noticed:

• Unexpected Tweets posting from your account.
• Unintended DMs (direct messages) sent from your account.
• You are unable to log in to Twitter (and you know you haven’t changed your password or username).

If so, you please take the following steps according to Twitter.

Reset your password and Revoke Connections

1. Reset your password.

If you can log into your account, change your password immediately from the Passwords Tab in your Account Settings. You can also use the Twitter password reset feature to request an email with instructions for resetting your password. Select a strong password you haven’t used before.

2. Revoke connections.

Once you’ve logged in, visit the Connections tab in Account Settings. Revoke access for any third-party application that you don’t recognize.

3. Update your new password in your third-party applications.

If a trusted external application or widget uses your Twitter password, be sure to update your password in the application. Otherwise, your account may be temporarily locked.

If You Still Can’t Access Your Account see www.status.twitter.com where you’ll also find more information about Safe Tweeting.