If you use Instagram, be wary of fake notification messages claiming that your account has violated copyright and is set to be deleted.
The messages instruct you to click a link to deal with the supposed copyright violation and stop your account from being deleted.
Clicking the link in the messages opens a fraudulent website that contains the following alert (screenshot):
If you click “next” a second fake form asks you to provide your Instagram account login credentials (screenshot):
The fake website may then ask for your email address and email account password before displaying a notice claiming that the copyright issue has been dealt with and your account will not be deleted.
Meanwhile, criminals can collect the information you submitted on the fake website and use it to take control of your Instagram and email accounts. Once they have gained access, they can use the accounts to distribute spam and scam messages in your name and pose as you online.
Instagram scam messages like this are common and take many forms.
If one of these messages comes your way, don’t follow any links it contains. Always access Instagram via the official app or by entering the address into your browser’s address bar.
