Instagram is the leading social media platform, with over a billion active users and providing excellent features for both entertainment and business.
How to Stay Safe from Instagram Scams
As with every social media platform that achieves immense popularity, Instagram has become a hotspot for scammers and fraudsters. Therefore, if you wish to protect yourself on the platform, this guide is essential reading.
Table of Contents
What Are Instagram Scams?
Instagram scams encompass a range of schemes aimed at extracting money from individuals or hacking their Instagram accounts.
As Instagram fulfills both entertainment and business roles, scams often arise, each with unique objectives.
Numerous Instagram scams emerge regularly, and since people often fall victim to these traps, it is essential to stay informed and protect yourself at all costs.
Some will try to take your money, some will mislead you into participating in criminal activities, while others will aim to take control of your profile because of your followers and engagement rate.
Instagram scams take various forms and can impact anyone. Therefore, always exercise caution when engaging with someone you do not know on this platform.
How do Instagram scams work?
The operation of Instagram scams varies depending on the type and objective of the scam. Typically, scammers send direct messages with enticing offers, whether related to providing you with money or helping you in rapidly growing your online accounts.
On Instagram, you may come across scams involving identity theft, romance, money, job opportunities, and even Bitcoin. Consequently, whenever you receive a message regarding any of these subjects, you can be sure it is a scam.
6 Common Instagram Scams
Here are some of the most common Instagram scams to watch out for to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the platform.
1. Phishing Scams
Phishing scams on Instagram are probably the most prevalent type of scam that has existed since the platform’s inception.
This type of scam involves receiving a direct message requesting you to confirm your identity, username, and password to prevent your Instagram account from being deleted.
The person sending you the email or message will identify themselves as a representative from Instagram customer service and will usually include a statement in their bio that says “Official customer service profile.”
They may also reference suspicious activity and request information to log in, asserting that they need it to secure your account. This will allow them to access your account and scam others using your information.
Once you grant them access to your Instagram account, they can engage in identity theft, acquire all of your data and passwords for connected social media accounts, and even access your credit card information if it is linked to your account.
Some scammers participate in Instagram phishing to blackmail you by threatening to share your messages and photos with your friends and family or to publish private information from your account if you do not pay them.
Whenever you receive a message or email like this, please report it and refrain from responding or sending your information to anyone.
If there is an issue with your Instagram account, you will receive a notification as soon as you open the app, directing you to a secure website that does not require you to send information through DMs or email.
2. Sponsorship Scams
Sponsorship scams on Instagram have been present since the platform’s inception. These scams usually involve direct messages in which a brand promises to pay you for an advertising deal and invites you to become their ambassador.
These scams often surface on the Instagram app, and the brands that claim to provide these services are mostly fake accounts with only a few pictures and approximately 1,000 followers. They usually do not ask for anything else from you except to buy their products to qualify for the “advertising deal.”
However, if you fall for it and decide to purchase their products, you may not receive them, and you could risk having considerably more money withdrawn from your account than what is indicated on the website.
Promotions like this are something all Instagram users encounter occasionally, so it’s best to ignore them. It is evident that they are fake, and their profiles usually disappear after scamming enough people.
Some brands may even promise to take you on sponsored trips or arrange a photoshoot for you. However, exercise caution, as such offers have frequently been linked to human trafficking.
Although you may not lose anything beyond some time and money, it is advisable to ignore these messages and avoid agreeing to their sponsored trips unless you are certain you are communicating with a well-known and reputable brand through their official account.
3. Crypto Scams
Crypto and Bitcoin scams have surged in popularity over the past two years, as many individuals seek investment opportunities, even through unreliable sources on Instagram.
Crypto investors who promise to make you rich in just a week through various investment programs are common scams on Instagram. Once you start engaging with related content, you will receive these offers repeatedly.
They usually promise to help you double your money within a few days by investing amounts such as $100, $500, or even $1,000 through them.
No serious crypto and Bitcoin traders solicit investors in this way, and they certainly won’t request payment to invest on your behalf. Therefore, block any accounts that send messages like this.
4. Investing Scams
Investment scams are similar to crypto scams and usually involve messages from unknown individuals who promise to help you achieve a luxurious lifestyle by investing in their business or joining their company.
These companies or projects are often fabricated and require investment through specific mobile apps and accounts provided by these so-called investors, which clearly indicates that they are scam accounts.
No one secures investors through Instagram DMs. Therefore, regardless of the type of offer you receive on your Instagram accounts, block these creators and avoid clicking on any links they send you.
5. Blackmail Scams
Blackmail scams are common, especially targeting women on Instagram. These scammers frequently threaten to publish your private messages and photos unless you send them a certain amount of money.
They will claim that your Instagram account has been hacked and threaten to publish all your private information if you do not send them money within a few hours.
In 99% of cases, your account probably wasn’t hacked; they are merely bluffing to extract money from you.
These scammers mainly target women, as they are more inclined to respond and send money almost immediately.
However, if you receive this message but continue to use Instagram without the app alerting you to hackers or individuals from other locations trying to access your account, you are safe and can ignore the message.
6. Romance Scams
Romance scams are likely the oldest type of scam on Instagram, and unfortunately, many individuals continue to fall for them or attempt them, even when they recognize the warning signs.
Many individuals are creating fake Instagram accounts by using photos and videos belonging to others, trying to portray themselves as someone they are not.
This wouldn’t be as frightening if they weren’t truly connecting with various people online, engaging in conversation, and ultimately forming a romantic bond over the phone.
While some romance scams may end at this stage, leaving the other person feeling profoundly disappointed and hurt upon realizing they were communicating with someone who doesn’t exist, some scammers succeed in extracting money and gifts from their victims.
Many scammers have spread a considerable amount of false personal information, allowing them to gain their victims’ trust and convince them to lend money multiple times, purchase gifts, and even buy plane tickets and similar items.
For this reason, even if the person seems beautiful and intriguing, refrain from disclosing too much about yourself and avoid sending them money or goods until you are certain you are communicating with a genuine person.
These scams inflict financial damage and emotional distress, so always exercise caution when trusting individuals you know only from the internet.
8 Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed on Instagram
To protect your online accounts on Instagram from identity theft, phishing scams, investment scams, and other forms of fraud, you must exercise caution.
To improve your experience on Instagram and the internet overall, here are some tips to help you steer clear of scams.
1. Set Your Account to Private
Keeping your Instagram account private will protect you from unwanted followers and messages. Furthermore, individuals who do not follow you will remain unaware of your identity and the content you are sharing.
Although you may still receive suspicious DMs with a private account, romance scammers, investment scammers, and those looking to steal money from you will rarely target you. Even if they do, these messages will usually go to the Request box instead of directly into your DM.
2. Create a Strong Password
A strong password is crucial for every social media and subscription service, as it prevents easy guessing and ensures that even third-party apps cannot access the account without the correct login credentials.
By combining uppercase and lowercase letters, along with numbers and symbols, you can create a strong password that is challenging for anyone to decipher.
3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication means that to log into your Instagram account, you must sign in with your password and verify your identity using your mobile phone or another device where your email is accessible.
When you create your account, you can enable two-factor authentication, which will safeguard you against suspicious activity or logins, especially from hackers.
4. Avoid clicking on suspicious links
An Instagram scammer will probably send you a suspicious link in a direct message, claiming that by clicking on it, you can earn money or become eligible for an advertisement or project.
Never click on suspicious links sent by people you don’t know. Even if you recognize the sender, always verify the URL and the domain before opening it in your account.
5. Shop only from verified accounts
Instagram shows a verification mark next to the username of every user or brand that has confirmed their identity, and these are the only accounts from which you should make purchases.
Many unverified Instagram shops have fake followers that seem trustworthy but will scam you for money as soon as you try to make a purchase through their Instagram shop. Therefore, avoid buying from profiles that do not have the blue verification mark next to their name.
6. Avoid excessive use of third-party apps
If you use a third-party app for Instagram followers to increase your likes and followers or to monitor random users on Instagram, you may unknowingly become entangled in online scams.
These apps are often connected to various platforms, making it easy to become a victim of scams that can lead to the loss of your account and money. Therefore, it is advisable to either avoid these platforms altogether or register only on those that are completely safe and verified.
7. Monitor Your Login Activity
Instagram settings provide a detailed list of your login activity, enabling you to see every device and location from which you have logged in.
If you suspect that something unusual is happening or that your Instagram account has been hacked, check this section of the settings to determine who is responsible for the issue and when it occurred.
8. Avoid responding to all DMs
Most Instagram scammers reach out to potential victims through DMs. If you have been using Instagram for some time, you have probably received multiple fake job scams, romance scams, and investment scams in your DMs.
When you receive them, ignore them; do not respond, and do not open any suspicious links they contain. Simply block the person and report a potential Instagram scam.
What To Do If You Get Scammed?
If you were unaware of Instagram scammers and fell victim to their schemes, I am sorry.
However, there are steps you can take to address the situation, enhance your mood, or even save your money if it’s not too late.
Contact Instagram Support to Report a Scam
If you suspect that you have been scammed, contact Instagram support, describe the situation, and report the individual, as they may have tried to deceive others in this Instagram scam.
Change Your Instagram Password
If you have shared your login details and they are the same for all your online accounts, change them immediately on Instagram and all other social media platforms.
Your personal information can be protected if you respond promptly, and the scammer will be logged out of the Instagram app once you update your login details.
Check Your Bank Account
Open your banking app to review your information, verify your PIN, and check for any transactions that have been made.
If it is not too late, you can contact them and promptly update all the information to prevent the scammers from accessing your funds.
Will a bank refund you if you are scammed?
If you were deceived into transferring money to someone else, there is a strong likelihood that your bank will reimburse you for the amount.
The process is simple, and they will reverse the transaction. However, make sure to contact them as soon as you realize that this transaction was part of the scam.
Utilize antivirus software
Always install antivirus software on your device, as it is crucial for protecting you from malicious links and scammers trying to access your social media profiles and bank accounts.
The software will block this action if someone tries to perform it, and you will receive an alert about a potential issue.
Use the ID theft checker app
ID theft checker apps help you protect your personal information across multiple platforms and websites. They will alert you if there is a breach in any of your accounts, whether on Instagram or in an app that holds your banking details.
They also offer a guide to assist you in minimizing the consequences if you have already fallen victim to a scam.
Conclusion
Instagram scams happen often, making it crucial to learn how to recognize them and safeguard yourself for a safe and enjoyable experience on social media.
No matter what you do, always remain vigilant and be aware of the most prevalent Instagram scams.
Follow my advice to help you avoid these situations and prevent damage, even if you become a victim of a scam.
FAQ
What can a scammer do with my phone number?
A scammer can do a lot of damage with your phone number, from preying on your contacts, friends, and family, sending scam messages to other people, doing SIM swaps, and stealing all the information connected to that phone number.
Can you get scammed by opening a text message?
You can hardly get scammed by opening a text message from scammers, but if you click on the links, pics, and videos included, your profile will probably get hacked, and you will become a victim of online scams.
What can a scammer do with my picture?
A scammer who gathers all your pictures can be very dangerous because they will probably try to present themselves as you on different platforms, threaten other people or make them victims of the scam too by hiding behind your face and name.
Can a scammer access my bank account?
A scammer can access your bank account if they gain the information through phishing and you open different links they have sent you.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAlso, if you have shared even the smallest detail about your credit card or bank account with them, they will quickly get into it.
