WARNING - Instagram hacking

Double level security, however, if your info is hacked from somebody else's non secure account that's another matter.

Don't reply to the spamming you offering work or helping promoting your images. These are sent from profiles with No Posts, followers, followings. They say they are promoting another account. Report, Block and move on.

I had an attempt the other week.  The plan was for her to literally give me £2000 if I added their contact number to my account.  (They then change the password and take ownership).  Fortunately I saw the ruse and declined the offer.  I messaged the young lady on here and she confirmed that she had been hacked and was struggling to get her account back.

A lot of the time the scams are messages and they need you to click on a link to open something or they need to you to send them a code you’ll get or something like that. Just stop. Think it through before clicking on anything. If it’s someone you don’t know just block as it’s probably a scam. If it’s someone you know, message them elsewhere first and verify it’s them and it’s genuine. Just take the time to check. It’ll save a lot of issues.

Isn't this just business as usual with IG these days?

If anyone hasn't activated 2FA on their accounts, I would definitely recommend doing so, lets you get notified if anyone is trying to access your account with the right password. Can't get into your account if they don't have your phone :D

My Instagram Account Hacked

Here’s What Happened. - Be Warned.

First thing one morning I open my Instagram account and there is a message from one of the photographers I follow and and comment with.

The message reads; Hi Paul, I need your help.

After a couple of messages he says he has bought a new iPhone and is trying to set up Instagram on the new phone. He says that Instagram need to confirm with a follower who he is. (or words to that effect)

Instagram will send me a text with a link. Take a screen shot of the text and message him the picture. He will use the picture/link confirm with Instagram who he is.

A couple of minutes later I get a text from Meta. (Meta are the owners of Facebook and Instagram)

Now bear in mind I don’t display my mobile number on any of my on-line accounts (FB IG Pinterest etc) I only give my number to people I know. So I think the text is genuine.

The text says tap to reset Instagram password then there is a web link. 

I take a screen shot of the text. I DON’T tap/click on the link only take a screen shot.

I message the picture to the photographer and he thanks me. About 10 minutes later I am locked out of my Instagram account and the account is hijacked / hacked.

I have informed Instagram, I only hope they can help.

Don’t let this happen to you.

I’ve noticed with mine it’s about crypto or something 

The hacker is spamming all my followers with adverts and stuff about bit coin.

Really annoying.

Paul, from what I have been told about other people who have been hacked as well, Instagram can’t or won’t help. Best to start off a new Instagram now and a back-up one as well.

Edited by HotFridgePhotos

I didn't realise but I already have two factor authentication on. I always wondered why I got a text message when I logged into my account 😄

I have had the same messages about links but I just ignore anything that looks spammy even if it's from someone I know.

HotFridgePhotos said

Paul, from what I have been told about other people who have been hacked as well, Instagram can’t or won’t help. Best to start off a new Instagram now and a back-up one as well.

Edited by HotFridgePhotos

That's what I fear. It took me years to build that account and post all the photos.

Also my followers are nice people, I don't want them sent a lot of spam s**t.

Anyway, I hope people read this and don't fall for the same trick.

I follow you on Instagram, Paul. Knew straight away that it was not you, suddenly. Give some woman $1,000 and within a day she will return you $9,000. Are people really stupid enough to believe all this?

Same scam caught me out.

I am now @stillpetecosten.

Ignore or report any other "_____petecosten__" accounts.

A model friend of mine, she got hacked about 3 months ago on there. Same Bitcoin crap was suddenly on her profile. They wanted money from her to release her profile back to her. Instagram could not help her. So she set up a new profile and a back-up as well and messaged me. Of course I was suspicious. Asked her the date and start time of our last shoot, the location and 3 things that I said to her about the next shoot.