Threads is a new social media platform built by Meta, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company.

Instagram users with an iPhone or Android can use the app to make and interact with public text posts. Threads bills itself as “a new way to share with text.”

As with any social media channel, BBB advises consumers to read up on Threads before signing up.

When services are new, scammers might use the situation to launch phishing campaigns, impostor websites, or other tactics. The best way to protect yourself is to be informed about new services and common scams.

Some important things you need to know:

• Threads is free. You do not have to pay to sign up.

• You must have an Instagram account to use Threads. Existing Instagram users may be asked directly in the Instagram app if they want to download Threads. Threads is a separate app from Instagram, but you will log in using your Instagram account credentials.

• Your Instagram followers can carry over to Threads and your username and verification status.

• You must have an iPhone or Android device. Threads is available on the iOS App Store and the Android Play Store.

• If you delete your Threads account, you must also delete your Instagram account. You can deactivate your Threads account, which will also deactivate your Instagram account. It’s worth considering the connection between the accounts before you sign up.

Protect yourself from potential scams, you should do the following:

• Don’t fall for phishing. Watch out for phishing emails, texts, and messages claiming to come from Threads, Instagram or Meta. Be skeptical of any messages insisting that you must pay to use Threads. Visit BBB’s Spot a Scam page to see examples of phishing messages.

• Beware of impostors. If an account claims to represent Threads, Meta or Instagram, check it carefully. BBB’s Spot a Scam page can help you spot fake social media accounts.

• Check before you click. Before you click any link in an email, text or direct message, go directly to the source.

• Do your research. If you’re unsure about any information you receive in a private message, you can go to Threads’ or Instagram’s help pages to verify it. You can always visit BBB.org for accurate information and help protect yourself and others by reporting a scam to BBB’s Scam Tracker.

• Adjust your account privacy settings. Consider making your profile private in Threads’ Settings menu, which means only approved followers can interact with your posts and replies.

This can help prevent scammers from contacting you through your account.

For more information, check BBB’s social media scams page for more tips for you and your loved ones. You can also learn how to protect yourself by Googling “BBB 10 Steps to Avoid Scams.” If you spot a scam, whether you have lost money or not, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your story can help protect consumers from similar scams.

Rick Walz is the president and CEO of BBB Serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties throughout Northern Indiana.