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There’s an online landscape where a photo speaks louder than words. Where connecting is as easy as double-tapping. And where you can share your favorite moments in a flash. Yes, you guessed it right, we’re talking about Instagram! But do we know that we can be scammed? Instagram scams can hold you back!
For all its convenience and enjoyment, Instagram can also be a playground for scammers aiming to trick you online. We’re not planning to scare you from the platform, but we want you to stay alert. And to do that, we’ve compiled a list of the most common Instagram scams to watch out for. Ready? Let’s dive in!
The 10 most common Instagram scams in 2023
Let’s unwrap the package of Instagram scams that might slide into your DMs or show up on your feed while you’re just trying to enjoy some good old scrolling.
- The charming deception of influencer scams
In the world of Instagram, it’s not uncommon to see influencers boasting about their glamorous lives and promoting different products. But beware, not all influencers play fair! Some profiles might have been created with the sole purpose of deception. Or even worse, real accounts might have been taken over by scammers.
Always look out for unusually high follower counts that don’t match the engagement on posts; or profiles that promote suspicious investment opportunities.
- The dire threats of phishing scams
If you get a sudden, urgent message or email stating that your Instagram account is at risk of being suspended, pump the brakes! You might be dealing with a phishing scam where the scammer, posing as Instagram customer service, tries to scare you into revealing your personal information.
- The false hope of job scams
Job scams are not just common on LinkedIn. Instagram has its fair share of those too. These scams prey on those in need. With messages from seemingly legitimate recruiters and links to fabricated job applications, these scams target your personal information under the guise of promising employment.
- The enticing lure of music promotion scams
Artists and musicians, beware! Scammers might tempt you by promising promotions for your music and asking for money in return. But in most cases, those huge follower counts and views are just bot accounts, and your music isn’t reaching any new ears.
- The dangerous appeal of sponsorship scams
These scams mimic legitimate brands and make offers that are often too good to resist. Free trips, in-person meetings, photoshoots—all these ploys are designed to lure you into giving away your personal and financial information.
- The elusive promise of lottery and giveaway scams
You suddenly get a message congratulating you on winning a prize! Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? But don’t get too excited—these scams are designed to steal your information by giving you a fake assumption that you’ve won a contest.
- The hollow prospects of crypto scams
Cryptocurrency is all the rage, and scammers are cashing in. They might approach you with irresistible investment propositions, but beware! You might end up losing your investment and potentially having your account hijacked.
- The emotional manipulation of romance scams
Catfishing or romance scams can be heartbreaking. Scammers use elaborate lies and tactics to manipulate you emotionally and financially.
- The irresistible attraction of investment scams
Scammers might try to lure you with get-rich-quick schemes or cash-flipping opportunities. These often involve people flaunting a luxurious lifestyle and promising the same for you if you invest in their ‘proven’ methods. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- The Danger of Instagram ‘Support’ Scams
In these scams, people impersonate Instagram Support, claiming a problem with your account that they can fix for a fee. Remember, Instagram will never ask for support payment.
How to avoid Instagram scams
- Trust no one!
If a deal, an investment, or a prize seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are adept at creating appealing yet fraudulent schemes to hook you in. Whenever you encounter such alluring offers, always take a moment to reflect. Do research, consult with someone you trust, and don’t rush to give away your personal information or money.
- Check for authenticity
The legitimacy of an account can often be checked by looking at various factors. Examine the account’s followers, the quality and quantity of posts, and the date the account was created. Genuine businesses or influencers usually have a longstanding presence on Instagram and consistent activity. Fake accounts might be relatively new and have fewer posts.
Also, look for the verified blue tick on official accounts. Be wary of accounts impersonating influencers for brands, especially those asking for money or personal information.
- Keep your personal information safe
Under no circumstances should you share your sensitive personal details like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers with anyone. Legitimate organizations will not ask for this type of information through Instagram. Also, it’s a good practice to regularly review and adjust your privacy settings to limit the amount of information you share publicly.
- Enable two-factor authentication
Always put on two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. This process requires a secondary information or verification step in addition to your password, making it much harder for scammers to access your account. This could be a text message sent to your phone or a biometric confirmation like a fingerprint.
- Always report suspicious activity
If you encounter what you believe to be a scam, don’t just ignore it. Report it directly to Instagram. There are in-app options to report fraudulent activities or accounts. By reporting scams, you’re helping the Instagram community and aiding Instagram in taking appropriate actions against scammers.
Spot, Report, and Dodge
As a rule of thumb, remember these three essential rules to avoid falling into the trap of Instagram scams.
Spot: Pay attention to red flags like unsolicited messages, too-good-to-be-true offers, and personal or financial information requests. Be suspicious of accounts with minimal posts, many followers but little interaction, or poor grammar and spelling.
Report: If you spot a scam, report it! On the Instagram app, tap the three dots on the user’s profile, post, or message and then select “Report.”
Dodge: Protect yourself by never sharing personal or financial information over DMs, using two-factor authentication, and staying skeptical of unsolicited offers.
Remember, staying safe online is all about awareness and vigilance.
Unleashing Instagram’s full potential with PureVPN
Now that you know these common Instagram scams, let us share a bonus piece of advice before you go elsewhere.
You know, Instagram is truly a global platform. Still, sometimes its content could be better. Ever wanted to groove to a new song you discovered by putting it on your story only to find out that it’s not available in your country? Enter PureVPN!
PureVPN can help you unlock the full potential of Instagram by allowing you to access content and features that are otherwise not available in your region, for instance, Instagram music. It cloaks your actual location and makes it appear like you’re browsing from a country where the content is available. This way, you can enjoy the latest music from around the world on your stories without leaving your couch. Pretty cool.
Plus, PureVPN helps secure your internet connection, adding an extra layer of safety as you explore the vast landscape of Instagram. So, not only do you get to access more content, but you do it securely. Sounds like a win-win!
Steering clear on Instagram
There you have it, a detailed guide to staying scam-free on Instagram. With an eye for spotting red flags and a dash of skepticism, you can navigate the platform safely and enjoy all its eye candy. Remember, when in doubt, never share your personal information and always report suspicious behavior. Stay savvy, and keep scrolling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep your eyes open for overly affectionate messages from strangers, requests for money or personal information, or profiles with scant posts and numerous followers. When it comes to love, slow and steady wins the race!
Yes, unfortunately. Some hackers can send you a DM with a malicious link. Clicking the link could potentially give them access to your account. The rule of thumb? If it looks fishy, don’t click!
Instagram maintains records of messages, so in case of legal situations, authorities can access them. However, with proper legal jurisdiction, chats are readily available to the public.
A definite no! Sharing pictures with strangers can potentially lead to blackmail or identity theft. It’s best to share personal photos only with people you trust.
Being safe on Instagram involves a mix of common sense and technical measures. Always be cautious when interacting with strangers, avoid clicking suspicious links, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly change your password.
Marrium Akhtar
June 15, 2023
11 months ago
