Better Business Bureau warns of Instagram scam
The Better Business Bureau is advising of a recent Instagram scam involving hackers sending malicious links while impersonating friends and followers.
In a recent news release, the business watchdog said the scam starts by receiving an Instagram direct message from what looks like a person the account owner follows and knows, but the account has actually been compromised.
The compromised account will message people and ask them to potentially take a survey to help with a new job or to check out a video.
The messages may vary, but the hacker’s goal is the same, to get people to click a specific link.
If a person clicks the link sent by the scammer, their Instagram account will also be compromised and the attacker will take control and begin to use the victim’s account to compromise other accounts. The scammer then tells the victim the account owner must film a video stating they have invested in a cryptocurrency and encourage their followers to do the same to get their account back. Recording the video for the scammer to post may or may not get the account back.
To protect from scammers, the Better Business Bureau says to be wary of online messages. The bureau added taking a closer look before sharing, applying or donating can help prevent getting an account hacked.
Contacting the person outside of Instagram to see if they sent the message can help avoid falling for the scam. Additionally, people can press for details and ask specific questions without providing any personal information to confirm they are talking to someone they know. If the account owner cannot answer, leave the conversation, block them and change account settings and password..
Lastly, reporting suspicious behaviour can help protect friends and family from being scammed. Taking further steps like tightening up account security and hiding a friends list can reduce the risk of having a profile impersonated.