Instagram Scams That Target You Daily and Tips to Stay Safe

Being one of the most visited social media platforms in the United States, Instagram attracts people by making it easy to get in touch with friends and relatives, share photos and videos, have fun, and create business accounts. 

However, its popularity also draws scammers who are tempted to trick users online. There are more than 900 Instagram reviews on PissedConsumer.com related to fraud and scam activities. 

Forms of Instagram fraud are extensive. They vary from blackmail scams to phishing messages and affect various aspects of life and interests. In this article, we will discuss the most common scams on Instagram, its features, and ways how to protect yourself and avoid them. 

Key Insights

• In April 2024, slightly over 28% of Instagram users in the United States were between 25 and 34, establishing the largest audience segment on the platform.
• Instagram reels are predicted to become one of the most popular tools for influencer marketing in 2024, with 58.2% of US marketers planning to use them.
• With its popularity, the social media platform suffers from various Instagram scams. The most common include blackmail scams, fake profiles, followers or ads, account takeovers, etc. 
• To avoid Instagram fraud, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, avoid opening any unknown links or links from unknown accounts, check if the number of followers matches the level of engagement in comments, etc. 

How to Spot Instagram Scams 

Though the number of Instagram scams varies and they have different forms, there are some obvious red flags that can help you identify potential fraud. Here is a list of Instagram scam warning signs revealed in customer reviews: 

• Quick money offers. Be cautious of DMs or Instagram posts promising high returns on investments with little or no risk. They may involve cryptocurrency or forex trading schemes. . 
• Too good to be true deals. Scammers often use tactics of tempting potential victims with luring offers like free products, huge discounts, or guaranteed ways to make money quickly. 
• Messages about winning a prize or giveaways. Fraudsters may send you a message claiming that you have won a prize or giveaway, even though you haven't taken part in any giveaways or contests. 
• Links to websites and third-party apps. Be cautious about links sent via DMs or comments. It is especially dangerous if they have shortened URLs or are sent from unfamiliar accounts. Such links can lead to phishing sites or malware downloads.
• Many followers and low engagement. If an account has a great number of followers but you see a low engagement rate in comments and interactions below posts, it may be a sign of a potential scammer. 
• Unusual payment request. If a seller asks you to make payments via unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, stay alert. These methods are often untraceable and non-reversible. 
• Incomplete or generic profiles. If an account has few posts or its number of followers is low, and the account holder themselves doesn't follow many Instagram users, it may be a red flag.

Common Instagram Scams 

Now that you know about the red flags of scams, ensure you will not become one of the exploited social media users. 

Here are some common examples of Instagram scams.

Blackmail scams

Blackmail scams on Instagram take different forms. Scammers may hack your account and then reach out to you asking you to pay them to get your account back. 

In other cases, Instagram scammers gain access to your devices and collect information such as videos, pictures, or conversations that they threaten to make public on social media if you do not pay.

In one X post, a user explained how scammers on Instagram hacked into their account and are asking to pay to get their credentials back. 

Source: x.com

Similarly, in one of the Instagram complaints, the user's account was hacked, and the scammers blackmailed them using WhatsApp Messenger:

I opened a message from a hacked account, which led to my account being hacked….…They also contacted me through WhatsApp and blackmailed me, demanding money and sent proof of them having the account….

The reviewer also asks to do something such as "It's spreading, and it needs to stop."

Account takeover scams

Account takeovers are also quite common. They involve scammers on Instagram gaining control of your account and either blackmailing you or using your account for malicious purposes. 

For instance, they may spam or scam your followers, promote fake products, or impersonate you, damaging your reputation. The user in review #5365738 shared their experience of suffering from one of these actions:

…The hacker has access to the account and my picture and drivers license to scam people out of money using pictures of cars…

Fake Profiles

Some Instagram scammers set up legitimate-looking accounts to sell non-existent products and services. Typically, they are quite responsive when you contact them to enquire about their products and services. Often, they will ask you to make a deposit or full payment. Then, they become unresponsive or may block you and not deliver the service or product.

One of such cases is described in review #5708015. The Instagram user fell victim to a fake makeup artist who asked for a deposit to book an appointment. However, after receiving the money, she stopped communicating:

she told me to make my deposit to finalize the appointment and I did and after I made the deposit she stopped answering she didnt answer emails or messages on instagram or phone calls on instagram.

Fake ads

Fake ad scams involve scammers on Instagram running fraudulent ads to attract customers to buy non-existent or sub-standard products or services. Typically, the deals advertised are too good to be true. The scammers create a sense of urgency by claiming limited stock or a time-limited offer.

In review #5511240, a user explains that they fell victim to a fake ad scam when ordering some candles from a shop named B&B Works:

I ordered some candles from one of you ads and was scammed out of 90.00. It was a fake advertisement.

In the end, the reviewer asks the platform to “screen [anyone selling anything across your platform] as a legitimate business.”

A similar incident was reported by a customer on Reddit who placed “a large order” through an Instagram sale link. However, after doing some research, the user couldn’t find such a sale and wondered if they were scammed. 

Source: reddit.com

Fake followers scams

According to recent research, the average influencer fraud rate in 2023 was 49.19%. Influencer fraud is characterized by buying followers, likes, comments, stories views, and comment pods. 

As such, you must be aware that many popular Instagram accounts have fake followers. Such scammers often reach out to businesses and brands for sponsorship deals with the high follower count as their bargaining chip.

In review #5651405, Jennifer reported being approached by a fake influencer:

I have celebrities, pretending to be celebrities and asking for I tunes and Apple cards do something about it cause Im getting tired of scammers harassing my account.

Phishing messages

Phishing scams on the social media platform take different forms. The scammer uses deceptive tactics to get your personal or financial information. For example, you may get an Instagram phishing message for a job posting. The scammer then provides you with a link to fill out your personal details to apply for the job. 

Another common Instagram DM scam involves receiving account verification messages. You may receive a message claiming that you need to verify your account to confirm your identity or prevent suspension. They usually have a link to complete the verification process.

Source: facebook.com

For example, one Instagram user reported on Facebook that they received a message in which a sender claimed that the user had a copyright infringement and needed to provide feedback; otherwise, their account would be closed. To do so, they needed to click on the link, which is “not related to an IG or Facebook websites," to complete the process. 

Also, there is a lack of specificity regarding what specific posts and images constitute copyright infringement. The link leads outside of Instagram to a generic website.

A user in review #5960063 opened a link provided in an Instagram phishing message and ended up being hacked:

One person sent me a link to vote and I clicked the link. The link required a login ID and password which I provided. However, after some time, someone hacked my Instagram…

Giveaway scams

Giveaway scams involve setting up a giveaway that requires participants to provide their personal information, follow the scammer’s account, or engage with their content. 

While there are many legit giveaways on Instagram, you can easily identify fraudulent activities because they offer prizes that are too good to be true, such as electronics, luxury trips, or large sums of money. They may also set up fake profiles that resemble legitimate brands or influencers, intending to seem credible. 

In some cases, the scammers may claim to be from Instagram. So, people stay alert and report unusual messages regarding giveaways, as in review #3779587. The user received a note from a person claiming to be an Instagram employee who stated that a user won a hefty $320,000. As there are many online scams, a reviewer was wary and wanted to find a way to confirm if it was legitimate: 

I have been contacted by Linda Anderson who works for Instagram. Saying I won 320,000.00 in a give away, because of all this online thieves I dont trust anyone…

How to Avoid Instagram Scams

Among the top Instagram questions, the inquiry about actionable ways to avoid scams on the platform is one of the most popular. 

Here is a list of practical tips to stay safe on this platform. 

Keep your account and devices secure

Use strong passwords - at least six characters with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the birthday dates of your relatives, names of your beloved or kids, or personal information that can be easily found online. Set up two-factor authentication. This is the “single most effective step to protect your account from hackers,” according to Instagram safety tips. Such actions are aimed at protecting you from many kinds of fraud, including account takeover and blackmail scams. 

Avoid opening any suspicious links 

If you have received an email claiming to be from Instagram or a DM with an incorporated link for clicking, check the information and credibility of the source twice. If it is an unknown person, such links may be a red flag of a scam. If you have received a message from a friend or someone you know, contact them first to ensure it was from them. 

Check carefully too good to be true deals and giveaways

Before buying, providing personal information, or clicking on links, you can look at the account history and the content of posts. Check if they seem professional and relevant to the deal or giveaway if it is a new account, and others. Another step is to check followers and likes. 

Ideally, the account offering a deal or running a giveaway should be verified with a blue checkmark. Most legit giveaways typically provide clear terms and conditions. Therefore, look out for the terms outlining the rules, eligibility criteria, end date, and prize details of the giveaway. 

Check the number of followers and engagement rate of an account

This is especially beneficial for identifying fake followers scams and fake Instagram influencers. If there is hardly any engagement despite the many followers, it is most likely an account of an Instagram scammer.

Join online consumer communities

There are many online communities designed to help consumers with their issues and share knowledge and consumer insights. You may consider joining such communities as the PissedConsumer Club to learn about customer experiences with various companies as well as receive guidelines and constant support from an expert.

Avoid linking your Instagram account to other websites or third-party apps

If you are not sure about the account or don’t know what the app is, it’s better to do research first and not link your Instagram account to it. Instagram warns that linking gives these apps and websites complete access to your account.

Source: Instagram Safety Tips

What to Do if You Fall Victim to Scams on Instagram

The proper steps to take if you fall victim to scams on Instagram depends on the specific type.

The first step is to contact Instagram customer service to ask for assistance and immediate action. Unfortunately, Instagram customer service may not be easily accessible to prompt aid, as evidenced in review #5909998:

This person is now messaging all her friends asking for $100 for a phone…Why doesn't instagram have 24/7 customer service?? Please help!!

Even when reporting an issue or pages, reviewers mention that Instagram support doesn't react appropriately, as reported in review #5803031:

I have been reporting this page for about 2 months now and this account still hasnt been taken down and this is terrible customer service.

If you cannot log in to your account or have been hacked, you should visit www.instagram.com/hacked on a desktop or mobile browser to secure the account.

Source: instagram.com/hacked/

In case of blackmail and puzzling about how to report blackmail on Instagram, the platform recommends using the built-in reporting link. If someone shares an intimate photo of you on Instagram, you should document the post to proceed further with the case. Then, you should report the post using the link provided above and consider getting support from other organizations like Cyber Civil Rights Initiative or Without My Consent. You may also file a report with the police for further investigation.

If attempts to get assistance from Instagram fail, you can file an official complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Use this link to report the scammer account and provide details about the incident. 

Share Your Experience with Instagram

While Instagram is one of the top social media platforms for connecting with others and doing business, users should beware that Instagram fraud is rampant. Be vigilant to identify red flags and avoid falling victim.

Have you been a victim of Instagram scams? Have you gotten assistance from customer support? You may share your experiences and consumer insights and write a review.