What “fake” usually means

Empty avatars, zero posts, sequential usernames, no story of a real person.

Ultra-cheap bulk packs often lean this way.

What “real” should mean

Accounts that look inhabited: photos, activity, plausible bios.

Still not the same as super-fans who found you organically.

Standard = volume-focused.

Real-engagement = higher quality signals, slower curve.

Managed = premium QA + clearer expectations.

Open a sample of recent followers on the seller’s own socials if shown — empty shells are a smell.

Prefer shops that show ETA and risk before payment, not only after.

Avoid anyone who needs your password or 2FA codes.

If the price is impossibly low for “premium real,” assume volume-first delivery.

Some drop is normal industry-wide. Eligible drops inside a written refill window are the adult way to handle it.

Keep posting. A quality-angled pack on a dead grid still looks empty.