For many, Instagram is the go-to app forentertainment and connecting with others. Whether you use it to keep up withyour college friends or to kill time watching cat videos, the app has it all.
Unfortunately, Instagram has more than justeye-catching pictures and entertaining videos. In fact, cybercriminals are instead using the app totrick people online, using different types of scams.
So, you may be wondering, “What kind of scamsare on Instagram?” To help answer this question, we’ve compiled a list of the12 most common Instagram scams to know, including:
- Influencer scams
- Phishing scams
- Fake job scams
- Music promotion scams
- Sponsorship scams
- Lottery and giveaway scams
- Crypto scams
- Romance scams
- Investment scams
- Fake product scams
- Paid subscription scams
- Blackmail scams
To learn more about each of these Instagramscams and how to spot, report, and avoid them, continue reading thiscomprehensive guide.
12 types of Instagram scams
Since Instagram was founded in 2010,mobile scammershave come up with numerousways to trick its users. From seemingly lucrative investment opportunities tofake job offers, there are many ways a scammer may appear in your directmessaging inbox. Here are a dozen known Instagram scams to avoid today.
1. Influencer scams
On Instagram, not all influencers are createdequal. While there are plenty of legitimate influencers on the app, some ofthem are fake accounts designed to deceive you.
Characteristicsof Instagram influencer scams include:
- Accounts with a high number of fake followers and likes
- Profiles with racy profile pictures
- Promotion of investment opportunities or financial services
In some cases, it’s possible that the accountwas once real and has been hijacked by scammers on Instagram to fool others.
2. Phishing scams
In aphishing scam, you may receive a pressingdirect message (DM) oremailprompting you to take action before yourInstagram account is “suspended.” In the message, a scammer will pose as anofficial Instagram customer service account and try to convince you that youraccount is in danger.
Commontraits of a phishing scam include:
- Warnings that your account is in danger
- Requests to give up personal information including your username andpassword
- Alerts that you need to verify “suspicious activity”
By engaging with an Instagram phishing message, it may allow them to take over your account,steal your data, or blackmail you for money.To avoid this, it’s important to never give up any information to an accountyou’re unsure about. And remember, Instagram will never DM you about youraccount, and you can viewofficial Instagram emailsin your Settings.
3. Fake job scams
With many people losing their jobs during thepandemic, scammers looked to take advantage of the situation by promotingfake job postingson Instagram.
Fakejob scams often feature:
- Messages from fake recruiters
- Links to phony job applications
- Requests for your personal information
Once you’ve given the so-called recruiter yourinformation, they may use it tosteal your identity, drain your financialaccounts, or take over your Instagram profile.
4. Music promotion scams
If you share music on Instagram, you may besubject to music promotion scams. Compared to other scams, music promotionscams are much more specific and may only apply to musicians.
Characteristicsof a music promotion scam include:
- DMs from fake music promotion accounts
- Requests for money in exchange for a promotional post
- Claims that they can help increase your music streams
In some cases, these accounts will have a highnumber of followers, views, and likes. While it may seem like thousands ofpeople are hearing your music, they are usuallybotaccounts, and the Instagram views will nottranslate into new listeners on streaming platforms.
5. Sponsorship scams
Sometimes referred to as Instagram ambassadorscams, fake sponsorship scams also use fake or hacked accounts. Although,instead of posing as an influencer, these accounts pretend to be legitimatebrands.
Traitsof a sponsorship scam include:
- DMs from fake brand accounts
- Offers to pay you for advertisem*nts
- Requests for your personal information
- Opportunities to sign up as an ambassador
In some schemes, you may even be promised afree or discounted trip, often for an in-person meeting or photoshoot. Inreality, these situations are fake and used to steal your personal andfinancial information.
6. Lottery and giveaway scams
Another common scheme on Instagram are fakelottery and giveaway scams. These scams are designed specifically to steal yourinformation and convince you that you've won a prize or contest.
Lotteryand giveaway scams often include:
- DMs congratulating you on your prize
- Requests for your personal information to claim your winnings
- Links redirecting you to unsafe websites
In some Instagram giveaway scams, scammerswill hijack a real account or impersonate someone that is running a legitimategiveaway. Because of this, it's important to always be cautious and never shareany personal information with someone you're unsure of.
7. Crypto scams
These days, it's almost impossible to browsethe web without hearing aboutcryptocurrency. Unfortunately, scammers havetaken advantage of crypto’s increasing popularity to scam Instagram users.
Traitsof an Instagramcrypto scaminclude:
- DMs from accounts claiming they can make you rich
- Requests for payment
- Requests for personal information
In these Instagram DM scams, you’ll likelylose your entire investment and may even have your Instagram account hacked andused to scam your friends.
8. Romance scams
Sometimes described as catfishing, romancescams may leave you and your account exposed to hackers. These scams can be frustrating,often causing emotional and financial pain.
Commontraits of Instagram romance scams include:
- DMs from a fake account
- Long-term romantic communication
- Requests for payment, gifts, etc.
When runningromance scamson Instagram, scammers may use elaboratelies andsocial engineering tacticsto manipulate youfor your money and personal information.
9. Investment scams
Similar to crypto Instagram scams, manyscammers target those who may need some extra money with fake investmentopportunities. Because of this, it’s best to be cautious of any cash flippingor get-rich-quick schemes.
Characteristicsof Instagram investment scams include:
- DMs from people appearing to live a lavish lifestyle
- Promises of wealth and financial success
- Requests for an initial investment, often usingmobile paymentapps
Once the Instagram scammer has your initialinvestment, you’ll likely never hear from them again, and they’ll continuetrying to do this to others.
10. Fake product scams
Unfortunately, fake product andonline shopping scamsare common on Instagram.These scam Instagram accounts often have many followers, making them seem morelegitimate.
Fakeproduct scams often include:
- Posts and advertisem*nts promoting fake products
- Links to sketchy websites
- Requests for personal information to complete the purchase
Once you’ve given the scammers your personalinformation, you may lose access to your Instagram account, receive a knock-offversion of the item you ordered, or even worse, have youridentity stolen.
11. Paid subscription scams
Another scam to watch out for is paidsubscription scams. In these scams, you may be offered access to genuinesubscription services at a discounted price.
Paidsubscription scams often include:
- Accounts promoting lifetime or discounted access to subscriptionservices
- Links to fraudulentcopycatwebsites
- Requests for payment and personal information
In most cases, these scams promote popularsubscription services like Netflix, Spotify, and Xbox Live. To be safe, neversign up for a subscription service anywhere other than the service’s officialwebsite.
12. Blackmail scams
In some Instagram hacking scams, scammers maytry to blackmail you as a form of harassment or for financial gain.
Traitsof Instagram blackmailing scams often include:
- Threats to release private information
- Requests for payment
- Claims that a hacker might have access to your files
When it comes to blackmailing scams, thehacker might not even have any of the information they claim they do, andinstead are trying to scare you into meeting their demands.
How to spot a scammer on Instagram: 13 warning signs
Even though there are different types ofsocial media scams, there are common red flagsthat many of them share. Keep an eye out for these Instagram scam warningsigns:
- They ask you for money
- They tell you you’ve won a contest or prize
- They claim they can make you money quickly
- They ask you to apply for a job
- They move the conversation outside of Instagram
- They send you a link to anunsafewebsite
- They claim they need your help in an emergencysituation
- They offer you an investment opportunity
- They offer you a discount on popular items orservices
- They try to sell yougift cards
- They send messages with spelling and grammarmistakes
- They claim to represent a company but are not averified account
- They ask for your personal information
If you come across any combination of thesewarning signs, don’t worry, because there are steps you can take to stop thescammer in their tracks. Continue reading to learn what to do if you run into ascam on Instagram.
What to do if you get scammed on Instagram
Now that you know exactly what to look forwhen identifying scams, you may be wondering what to do if someone scams you onInstagram. To keep you and your Instagram account safe, follow these steps:
- Don’t respond or click any links: Whenever you receive Instagram scam messages, it's best to avoidresponding or clicking any links.
- Block the account: To blocksomeone on Instagram, click on their profile, tap the three-dot icon atthe top right of your screen, and select “Block.”
- Report the account: Toreport the account, follow the same steps as above, but select “Report.”Once you’ve selected “Report,” follow the on-screen instructions to helpinform Instagram of the specifics of the scam.
By following these steps, not only will youprotect yourself, but you can also help Instagram stop these accounts fromscamming anybody else.
How to avoid Instagram scams: 9 cybersecurity tips
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge ofhow to report a scammer on Instagram, you might want to know how you can avoidthem altogether. To reduce your chances of getting scammed, follow these ninecybersecuritytips:
- Use common sense: Ifsomeone pitches you a deal that seems too good to be true, it most likelyis. Always be cautious and use common sense when interacting with otherson Instagram.
- Enabletwo-factorauthentication(2FA): Using 2FA can help prevent anybody else from getting into your
Instagram account, even if they get access to yourpassword. - Look for the verification check mark:If an account reaches out to you claiming to be an influencer orbrand account, look for the blue verification check mark by their name. Ifthey don’t have that, they are likely a scam account.
- Avoid linking your Instagram to third-party apps:In some cases,third-party appsmay ask for access to
your Instagram account. Before saying yes, be sure to do your own researchand see if the app is legitimate, as some apps could be harvesting andselling your data. - Make your account private:Keeping your Instagram account private will only allow users you approveto view your account. You can do this by tapping “Settings,” selecting“Privacy,” and then turning on the Private Account feature.
- Use strong passwords:To keepyour Instagram account as safe as possible, it’s important to create astrong password. This can help preventInstagram frauds from taking over your account usingpassword sprayingor other tactics.
- Never click on suspicious links:In many cases, Instagram scammers may try to lead you to amalicious website. To avoid this, neverclick on any links you’re unsure of.
- Only shop from verified accounts:Since Instagram added its shopping feature, many businesses havebegun advertising and selling products online. Unfortunately, scammers arepretending to do the same. To be safe, only buy from accounts that areverified with a blue check mark.
- Use an antivirus app:Foran extra layer of protection, you can install an antivirus app on yourmobile device. This can help protect your phone frommobile threats, includingviruses,malware, andspyware.
By following these tips,you can scroll through Instagram without having to worry about dealing with anyscams. To protect yourself further, be sure tokeep your personal information safeanduse caution when sharing on social media.
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