An Instagram account named after Apple CEO Tim Cook was discovered this week. Cook has been a relatively private person when it comes to social media presence. As a result, the new account received considerable attention. It’s worth noting that even prominent figures in Apple’s leadership have begun following the account. However, it was later found to be fake.
An account with the handle @tim.d.cook was spotted by 9to5 Mac. The account’s first post was made to look like an actual post from Cook It was released in commemoration of World Photography Day on August 20, featuring two captivating images captured with an iPhone. On August 23, a 30-second ad was posted that linked to 3DPets as well as the collaborative campaign.
The account gained an air of legitimacy as it gathered followers, including an Apple vice president. Ultimately, the account was exposed as a fraud. Instagram removed the account after it was confirmed to be fake. The screenshots shared by the report do not show a blue check mark on the account which is a sign of authenticity on social media channels.
Tim Cook has only maintained his Twitter account since 2013. Another app where it has some presence is Weibo, a prominent microblogging platform in China.
