Instagram Scams

There are many Instagram Scams out there, but this one has caught a lot of users by surprise. Beware of the Instagram Copyright Infringement Scam.

How does it work?

·    You receive an email informing you that your account will be suspended because you "violated the copyright laws." 

·    It threatens to delete your account within the next 24 hours.

·    Click here “If you think we made a mistake, please verify to secure your account."

·   They use fear tactics to get you to act quickly, without verifying if the email is real.
 
The emails are typically riddled with grammatical mistakes, which should signal “RED FLAG.” They provide “Review complaint” or “Verify Account” links. By clicking either, you’re taken to a phishing page that offers an “appeal the decision” option. If you provide your Instagram credentials as prompted, the scammer takes over your account by changing your password and holds your account hostage.

 

In these cases, the scammer will demand a ransom for giving you back control of your account Watch this video for more details.

How to Avoid:

·    Verify who sent the message.

·    Conduct a web search on the sender’s name. The domain name may be variations of the word “Instagram," such as www.theinstagram.com or www.instragam.com.

·    Be cautious of messages asking you to confirm your account details.

 
How to Report:
Make your family and friends aware of the Instagram Copyright Infringement scam by sharing it on social media. You can also report the scammers to the Instagram Help Center and the FTC.

Call the Pima County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers with information about scams and fraud. To contact the Scam Squad directly, 9 AM to noon, Monday through Friday, call (520) 351-6715, or email: scamsquad@gvsav.org. To report suspicious activity or a particular incident of fraud, call (520) 351-4900.

Please vist the updated GV Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers' website for a list of all services provided to the Green Valley community - http://gvsav.org