Phishing is a deceptive practice of tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, it is a serious threat that can compromise your privacy, security, and online identity. Instagram, being one of the most popular social media platforms, is not immune to these dangers. Scammers employ various cunning tactics to deceive users and gain unauthorised access to their accounts, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, or the dissemination of personal information.
Here are some key steps you can take to protect yourself:
Be wary of direct messages and comments:
Here are some key steps you can take to protect yourself:
Be wary of direct messages and comments:
- Don’t click suspicious links: Scammers often send DMs or comments with enticing links promising free items, giveaways, or account verification. Avoid clicking on them, even if they appear to come from legitimate sources like Instagram itself or popular brands.
- Verify the sender: If you receive a message from someone you don’t know, be cautious. Check their profile for signs of legitimacy, like a verified badge (if applicable), genuine content, and follower count. If something seems off, don’t respond or engage.
- Never share personal information: Scammers often try to lure you into revealing sensitive details like your password, credit card information, or social security number. Never share such information through DMs or comments. Remember, Instagram will never ask for your password through these channels.
Be cautious with third-party apps and websites:
- Only download apps from official stores: Avoid downloading apps from unknown sources or clicking on links that promise to offer additional features or functionality not available in the official Instagram app. Stick to downloading apps from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Beware of “free follower” or “likes” scams: Websites or apps promising to boost your followers or likes are often scams. They might require you to log in with your Instagram credentials or even install malware on your device. Stay away from these offers.
- Check website legitimacy: If you’re unsure about a website linked in a DM or comment, manually type the website address into your browser instead of clicking the link. This helps you avoid being redirected to a malicious website disguised as a legitimate one.
Some general security measures:
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email in addition to your password to log in.
- Use strong passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for your Instagram account and avoid using the same password for other online services.
- Keep your app and device software updated: Updates often include security patches, so make sure you’re running the latest versions of the Instagram app and your device’s operating system.
- Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a suspicious account, DM, or comment, report it to Instagram immediately. This helps them track and take action against scammers.
