Have you heard about the “I’m running for an ambassadorship position” scam on Instagram? In this scam, someone you know on Instagram might ask you to vote for them in a fake contest. The scammers are getting really tricky.
Here’s how it works: The scammer sends you a special link to vote, but the link is actually a trick to reset your password. They’ll tell you to send them a screenshot of the link without clicking it. If you do that, they can use the link to get into your account. Once they’re in, they can change your password, lock you out, and even trick your friends and family the same way.
How is the scam evolving?
As people learn about scams, scammers have to find new ways to trick them. Lately, they’ve been fooling people using different methods. Some scammers use details from your public profile to make you think they know you.
They might pretend to be one of your friends who’s been hacked, or someone who knows your friends, so you think they’re familiar. For example, if your photos show you’re Muslim, they might say “salam” to you. If you have pictures with your kids, they’ll ask about them. If you’re a nurse, they’ll talk about your job at the clinic.
Once they earn your trust, they’ll ask you to add an email address they provide to your account settings. They claim it’s needed to “confirm your vote” for an “ambassador program.”
But if you do this, you’re actually giving them full control of your account. They’ll use the email to reset your password and lock you out. Then, they can do the same thing to your contacts while pretending to be you.
Here’s how to protect yourself from this Instagram scam
Instagram scammers are getting really tricky. Once they’re in, they can change your password, lock you out, and even trick your friends and family the same way. If you use Instagram daily, here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
1. Set up two-factor authentication
Setting up two-factor authentication adds an extra step that keeps scammers away from your account. If they try to change your password, they’ll also need a special code that’s sent to your email or phone. Remember, never share this code with anyone!
2. Don’t send screenshots
I learned something new: Scammers can send links that only show up in your chat. Now I know to never send screenshots with links or personal information to anyone unless I completely trust them.
3. Never add an email that isn’t yours to your account settings
It might seem obvious, but many people think this right before they get tricked by a scammer. If someone asks you to change your account email to one that isn’t yours, don’t do it—stay away from them.
4. Don’t use third-party apps
When you see others using new apps that work with Instagram to show what they’ll look like at 80, try not to join in. It’s safest not to let these third-party apps access your Instagram account unless you are completely sure they are safe and won’t take your information or change your settings.
5. Be cautious with friends who message you privately for favors
We all like to help our friends get famous on Instagram, hoping they’ll return the favor someday. But if a friend asks you to do something that doesn’t seem right, check with them another way, like through a text or on Facebook, to make sure their account hasn’t been hacked. This helps both of you stay safe.