Overview
With the invention of social media, individuals can connect with long lost friends and even foster brand new friendships. Concerning the latter, all social media users must be careful. This is especially true regarding Instagram attacks or as we like to call them-Instascams.
This is nothing new and generally should be expected from a large user based platform like Instagram. A particular strategy that bad actors will use is sending your account a direct message and then offering a particular dialogue. Some examples could be:
- “I’m launching my own product line“.
- “I’m in a competition and need you to vote for me“.
- “I’m trying to get verified on Instagram and need people to confirm my fanbase with a link“.
- “I need a help link to get into Instagram on my other phone“. (This is a very common tactic.)
- “I’m contesting for an ambassadorship spot at an online influencers program“. This one is surprisingly popular, with fake ambassadors everywhere.
Infection
How the scheme works is the bad actor will tell you that you will receive a text message with a link to the actual Instagram Forgotten Password portal. The scammer will try to gain your trust by telling you not to click the link.
Their goal is to get you to just take a screenshot of the url so they they can use that to reset the password for you and then gain control of your account.
Safety
Treat all direct messages with links with extreme caution. If the account reaching out to you seems suspicious trust that feeling and get help.
If you feel like you may have received a scam message reach out to Jellie Tech.
Don’t miss an article when it’s published by following and subscribing for email updates!
Tell us what you think of the article by commenting below!
Jellie Tech 