Are you wondering whether the Instagram account you're following or contacting is genuine or legitimate? The signs below will give you the answer.
Signs of a fake Instagram account
Type of fake account on Instagram
These types of accounts always impersonate an individual, organization or business for the purpose of profiteering, fraud or extortion. However, some of them can also be someone's secondary accounts to view other people's information to hide their real identity.
There are also many fake accounts created to increase the number of followers. You may have also heard of “buying followers” on these accounts.
Some people create fake accounts to scam or exploit your personal and financial information. This is why identifying fake Instagram accounts is so important.
Signs of a fake Instagram account
It is not difficult to detect fake accounts through many signs. Below are the most accurate signs of identifying a fake Instagram account.
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One of the easiest ways to identify fake accounts is that they often comment on posts or text you offering gifts or money without specifying the reason. These accounts often try to lure you into giving them personal or financial information in exchange for gifts.
Instead of giving gifts, they often use that information to "hack" your account or steal your identity.
Another obvious sign is that they pretend to represent a real famous brand in order to create trust in you to provide information.
Follow a lot of people
Accounts that follow thousands of people but have few or even no followers are often fake. Even if they say they know information about you, be cautious. They may just use that person's identity for malicious purposes.
The accounts they follow are often random, with no clear network.
Inappropriate posts on Instagram
Many fake accounts post sexual content that violates Instagram's community guidelines. They may send you invitation messages or posts with sensitive photos to lure you to another website.
You may be at risk when interacting with these accounts. So please report them to Instagram.
How to keep your Instagram account safe from imposters
- Directly confirm information by phone or in person to make sure your acquaintance is using that account.
- Never give personal information to strangers.
- Block suspicious accounts.
- Security check to make sure your account is safe. These include information you have shared with others.