Are Instagram ads scams?

Not all Instagram ads are scams, but some can be misleading or outright fraudulent. Before purchasing anything promoted in an Instagram ad, take time to research the company, read independent product reviews, and avoid clicking through the ad itself. Instead, type the business’s official URL directly into your browser to ensure you’re visiting a legitimate site.

How can I get my money back if I’m scammed on Instagram?

If you’ve been scammed on Instagram, report the fraud to your bank or payment service as soon as possible. They may be able to reverse the charge or open a dispute process, depending on the method of payment. However, recovery isn’t guaranteed, especially if you sent money via peer-to-peer payment apps or cryptocurrency.

Can people steal your information on Instagram?

Yes, scammers can steal your personal information on Instagram through phishing links, fake giveaways, impersonation accounts, and other deceptive tactics. This data can then be used for identity theft, account takeovers, or to tailor future scams with more convincing details.

Is security@mail.instagram.com legit?

Yes, security@mail.instagram.com, as well as no-reply@mail.instagram.com are legit email addresses Instagram uses to send security-related notifications. However, if the e-mail looks suspicious, remember that scammers can spoof legitimate-looking addresses. So, make sure to always verify the message by checking the ‘Emails from Instagram’ tab in the Instagram app’s Settings.

How can you tell if an Instagram account is fake?

A tell-tale sign of a fake Instagram account is a disproportionate follower-to-engagement ratio. These profiles often have a high follower count, but very few posts and minimal interaction. To verify an account's authenticity, look for a consistent posting history and genuine engagement from other legitimate accounts.

17 Instagram scams to know and avoid

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