To confirm the authenticity of an account on Instagram, you can use the blue tick. Many companies, organizations and personalities swear by the verification symbol and fraudsters also know this and send “Instagram” phishing emails that offer you exactly this coveted symbol.

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The Instagram verification badge is a check mark that appears next to an Instagram account name in search and on a profile.

Scammers are exploiting the Instagram verification badge and coming up with new methods to steal user data. The verification desired by many Instagram users offers the perfect “ambush”. The hackers set up false Instagram (phishing) websites with fake Instagram verification. These websites look like the original and ask you to enter personal access data when you supposedly apply for verification.  

Before that, however, you receive an email that looks like it comes from Instagram, but it doesn't because this email is a fake! The email in full:

“Your Instagram account has been reviewed by us and has been deemed eligible for the blue badge.
To get your blue badge Please click the “Badge Form” button below and fill the form carefully. Make sure you fill out the form correctly and completely. Otherwise, your account will not be verified. For more information about the blue badge, you can visit our support page! Thanks, you Instagram team.”

Screenshot of a fake email from Instagram
Screenshot of a fake email from Instagram

If you follow the instructions, you will be redirected to a fake website, which you can also tell from the URL. Here you have to enter your email address and phone number.

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On another page you will also be asked for the respective password and by clicking on the “Continue” button you will receive Instagram verification.

BUT BE CAREFUL: If you click on “Continue”, all data will be transmitted to the fraudsters at this moment. They, in turn, can immediately take over the respective Instagram account.

What can I do if I have fallen victim to phishing on Instagram?

What is Phishing? Phishing is when someone tries to gain access to your Instagram account by asking you for personal information via a suspicious message, email, or link. The message may also state that your account will be suspended or deleted if you do not follow the instructions. If that person gets access to your account, they may try to send spam through it.

Example: Jonas receives an email telling him to log in to his Instagram account and read an important message about his account. The email links to a strange-looking website that asks him to enter his username and password.

I think I've fallen victim to phishing. What can I do?

If you accidentally entered your username or password through a suspicious link, a stranger may be able to log in to your account. The following measures can help you:

How do I protect myself from phishing? Watch out for suspicious emails or messages

  • Be wary of messages that ask for money, offer gifts, or threaten to delete or suspend your Instagram account.
  • Instagram/Facebook emails related to your account will only come from @mail.instagram.com or @facebookmail.com.

Never click on suspicious links

  • If you receive a suspicious email or message that claims to be from Instagram, do not click on any links or attachments.

Don't answer such emails

  • Never respond to messages that ask for your password, social security number, or credit card information.

Use warnings

Safety tips

Also read: Alleged copyright violation: Beware of false Instagram emails!


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )