Instagram scams
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
Instagram scams include fake giveaway DMs, phishing links that steal your login, influencer impersonation, and "money flipping" schemes. Instagram will never DM you about winning a contest or ask for your password. If a deal sounds too good to be true on Instagram, it is.
Instagram's visual, influencer-driven culture makes it a prime target for scams. Fraudsters impersonate brands and influencers, run fake giveaways, promote bogus investment opportunities, and send phishing links through DMs. Account theft is rampant. Once scammers control an account, they use it to scam the victim's followers.
How Instagram scams work
- 1
Fake giveaway DM
You get a DM from what appears to be a brand or influencer saying "Congratulations! You've been selected as a winner." To claim your prize, you need to click a link and enter your Instagram credentials or pay a small "shipping fee." The link steals your login or credit card info.
- 2
Account takeover chain
A hacked account sends DMs to followers: "Can you help me vote for this contest? Just click this link and log in." Each person who enters their credentials gets hacked, and the chain continues through their followers.
- 3
"Money flipping" or investment posts
An account posts screenshots of huge Cash App payments and offers to "flip" or "invest" your money. Send $200, get $2,000 back. Once you send the money, they block you or ask for more "fees."
- 4
Brand ambassador / influencer scam
A fake brand account offers you a paid partnership. To get started, they need your login credentials to "verify your account" or ask you to pay upfront for product samples that never arrive.
Warning signs
- A DM says you won a giveaway you never entered
- Someone asks you to click a link and "verify" your Instagram login
- An account promises guaranteed returns on money you send them
- A "brand" offers you a partnership but asks for your password or an upfront payment
- A friend's account suddenly starts promoting crypto or forex investments
- You receive a DM with a suspicious link saying "Is this your photo?"
Examples
Fake Ray-Ban giveaway from a hacked friend
Your friend's account posts a story about a "Ray-Ban Summer Sale, 90% off." When you click the link and enter your email and password to "shop," your account is also hacked and the same story is posted to your followers.
"Forex mentor" investment scam
An Instagram account with lifestyle photos and screenshots of trading profits DMs you about a "limited time" investment opportunity. You send $500 via Bitcoin. They show you a fake dashboard with "growing" returns and pressure you to invest more before disappearing.
What to do
- If your account was hacked, use Instagram's "Get help logging in" feature or visit the Help Center for account recovery.
- Enable two-factor authentication in Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
- Never share your password or login link with anyone, even if they claim to be Instagram support.
- Report fake accounts and scam DMs using Instagram's in-app reporting tools.
- If you sent money to a scammer, report it to your payment provider and the FTC.
Report it to Instagram
Report the profile in-app, and recover a stolen account at instagram.com/hacked.
Getting your money back
If your Instagram account is hacked, open the app and tap "Get help logging in." Instagram may send a login link to your email. If the email was changed, request a security code to your phone number. For severe cases, Instagram offers video selfie verification to prove your identity. File with the FTC if you lost money.
Frequently asked questions
Does Instagram DM you about winning giveaways?
No. Instagram and legitimate brands do not DM winners asking them to click links, provide passwords, or pay fees. Real giveaway winners are typically announced publicly or contacted through the specific brand's verified account with clear instructions that never involve sharing login credentials.
How do I recover a hacked Instagram account?
Go to the Instagram login screen and tap "Get help logging in." Request a login link via email or SMS. If the scammer changed your email and phone, use the "Need more help?" option. Instagram may ask you to verify your identity with a video selfie.
Are "money flipping" offers on Instagram real?
No. Any offer to multiply your money is a scam. Legitimate investments don't guarantee returns, and no one will turn $100 into $1,000 for a stranger. Report these accounts to Instagram immediately.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about Instagram, these are the guides worth reading next.