We already know this nasty scam from Facebook, where fraudsters disguise themselves as “Facebook”, tag people or pages and threaten to delete their account because they have allegedly committed a “copyright violation”. (We HERE )

Now this nasty scam is also spreading on Instagram!

Instagram users receive a message from an “Instagram Help Center”. It says that someone complained about a post and it was a copyright violation. You can now raise an objection by clicking on a link. Here you have to enter your password to confirm your “authenticity”. If you don't do this, Instagram threatens to deactivate the account in question.

Beware of the nasty Instagram trap!

This is not Instagram itself, but rather scammers posing as an “Instagram Help Center”. The entire account, including logo, etc. is a fake!

Screenshot of fake Instagram account from “Instagram Help Center”
Screenshot of fake “Instagram Help Center” Instagram account

If you follow the instructions from the wrong “Instagram Help Center”, you would fall into a so-called phishing trap. From the moment you click/tap a link and enter your login details and password, this information is passed directly to the scammers. There is a risk of losing your Instagram account in the end!

Tip

If you are unsure whether a login page is real, you should simply try to log in with imaginary data, for example username: serfgerfxd@esrgrte.com , password: fgbvdrffgbcvfddg .

Pages like the one above often require double entry, but you can also use alphabet jumble for the second entry. If this input works, you can be sure that you have landed on a fake page!

Such fraudulent sites keep appearing on Instagram and Facebook! So always pay attention to WHO is writing to you!

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


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