Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for teens and young adults to share photos and videos and connect with friends. But, it also has risks, like scams that target young users. As a parent, it is important to know these risks and learn how to protect your child. This guide will help you understand Instagram scams, common types, how to spot them, and ways to keep your child’s account safe.
What Are the Common Types of Scams on Instagram?
A scam is a trick used to cheat someone. Scammers lie or make fake promises to steal money, personal information, or other things from people. Every person is likely to encounter at least one of the scam types in the online world, from gaming scams to fake messages and giveaways on social media. For example, on Instagram, a scam might be someone pretending to give away free gifts just to get personal details or money. Instagram is home to several types of scams, each designed to trick users in different ways. Knowing the common types of scams helps you be more prepared and prevent them in the first place.
Fake Giveaways
Scammers use fake giveaways to attract attention. They promise exciting rewards like phones, gift cards, or cash. To enter, they might ask users to follow an account, like posts, or share personal details. Sometimes, they request credit card information, claiming it is needed for “processing fees.” To spot these scams, look for vague or unrealistic promises. Genuine giveaways usually come from verified accounts, and they won’t ask for sensitive details.
Phishing Links in Messages
Phishing scams are one of the most common threats on Instagram. Scam Instagram accounts send direct messages (DMs) with links that lead to fake websites. These sites look like Instagram login pages or online stores and are designed to steal passwords or other private information.
If your child receives a suspicious link, tell them not to click on it. Encourage them to double-check by contacting the sender through official channels if the message claims to be from a company.
Impersonation Accounts
Some scammers create fake accounts pretending to be celebrities, brands, or even friends. These accounts often use stolen photos and bios to look legitimate. They may send messages asking for money or personal information, claiming it is for charity or a special cause. To identify impersonation accounts, look for a blue verification checkmark. If an account seems suspicious, compare its follower count and posts to the real account’s activity.
You can also use Instagram scammer checkers to determine if an account is fake or not. These tools help you assess the authenticity of Instagram accounts and detect potential scammers.
Fake Job Offers
Teens looking for jobs are often targeted with fake offers. Scammers promise high pay for easy tasks and then request personal details, such as bank account numbers, or upfront payments for training materials. Genuine job offers rarely come through Instagram DMs. Teach your child to research the company and confirm its legitimacy before sharing any information.
Investment Scams
Investment scams appeal to users who want to make quick money. These scams often involve promises of doubling money through cryptocurrency or other schemes. They ask users to send an initial amount, which the scammer steals.
How to Recognize Potential Scams on Instagram
Apart from the various types, you need to keep an eye on some signs that show an account or message is a scam. Here are some warning signs:
- Unsolicited messages: Scammers often send random messages to users, offering prizes, money, or jobs. Genuine opportunities do not come from strangers. If the message is unexpected, it is best to ignore it.
- Urgency and pressure: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make users act quickly. They may say an offer is only available for a short time or threaten account suspension if action is not taken immediately.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Many scam messages have spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing. Legitimate companies or individuals typically use professional language in their communications.
- Requests for personal information: Be cautious if someone asks for sensitive details like passwords, Social Security numbers, or payment information. Genuine companies will not request this type of information via Instagram.
- Too many tags or mentions: Some scammers tag or mention multiple users in posts or comments, claiming they’ve won something. This is a tactic to reach a broader audience.
How Scammers Target Kids and Teens
Teens are often the targets of scams because they are curious and trust online interactions. Now that you know the several common types of Instagram verified scams, it’s important to learn how they target young people.
- Appealing to Interests: Scammers tailor their messages to topics teens care about, like fashion, gaming, or technology. They use these interests to make their scams seem more believable.
- For example, a scammer might offer a discount on a popular video game or exclusive access to a new app.
- Using peer pressure: Some scammers claim that a friend has already participated in an offer or won a prize. This tactic makes teens feel they should join, too.
- Exploiting lack of awareness: Teens may not fully understand how scams work. They might click on links or share information without considering the risks. Scammers take advantage of this lack of experience.
- Targeting public accounts: Public accounts make it easy for scammers to gather information about a user. Scammers can see posts, comments, and followers, which helps them craft personalized messages.
How to Protect Your Child’s Instagram Account
So far, we discussed the types and common tricks of scams on Instagram. This is a serious online threat that, according to a study, unfortunately, has become more common than before. Now, let’s learn how we can protect our children from these risks in the digital world.
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A strong password is the first line of defense. Remind your child to create passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Furthermore, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone knows the password, they can’t log in without the code sent to your child’s phone or email. This makes it much harder for scammers to access the account. Remind them not to use the same password for multiple accounts.
2. Set the Account to Private
A private account means only approved followers can see posts, stories, and personal details. This limits the chances of strangers contacting your child. Show your child how to switch their account to private in Instagram’s settings. Moreover, Instagram offers various privacy options. You can go through these settings with your child to restrict who can tag them, send them messages, or view their stories. This reduces unwanted interactions.
3. Talk About Online Activity
Ask your child regularly about their Instagram use. Who do they follow? What kind of messages do they get? By having these conversations, you can build trust and help them feel comfortable sharing any concerns. You can also guide them on the content and information they share online. For example, you can advise your child not to share details like their address, phone number, or school name. Scammers can use this information to target them further.
4. Teach About Scams
It’s not all about the security measures and settings. It’s crucial to let your child know why this protection is important. Therefore, you should help your child recognize scam tactics. Show them examples of fake messages, accounts, or offers. Discuss how these scams work and why they should never share personal information with strangers. Also, teach them to report and block suspicious accounts. This also helps others by letting Instagram know about these accounts.
Final Word
Now that you know scam meaning in Instagram, the common types, and also safety steps, you can help your child stay safe online. Teach them to be careful with messages and offers that seem too good to be true. With your guidance, they can enjoy Instagram while avoiding scams. As highlighted throughout this guide, setting up security features is essential in protecting your child against these online threats. However, managing your child’s online safety can still feel overwhelming, especially with ever-evolving threats. So, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could track and monitor their online activities?
This is exactly what Safes is in charge of! Safes is an all-in-one parental control app that empowers you to monitor and guide your child’s digital activity effectively. By combining the tips shared in this blog with the features of Safes, you can give your child a safer and more secure online experience. As a better alternative to iPhone parental controls, Safes makes protecting your family easier and stress-free. Download Safes today for Android and iOS and take advantage of our free trial to explore how it can help keep your child safe on Instagram and beyond.
