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This is how most people get hacked on Instagram :(

Jo Zukowska -

Don’t want to get hacked?

Here are 2 things to look out for.

This is how most people get hacked on Instagram.

Imagine this:

You get a DM on Instagram, Facebook, or an email (or anywhere else on the Internet).
And there’s a link in that message.
The message sounds legit, coming from what appears to be a “legitimate” company or a “real” person.
It can even come from your real friend.

But what you don’t know is that your real friend might have got hacked. And the hacker is now using their account to hack you in return (without your friend knowing).

See how sneaky?

Now, you think this is a legitimate message with a legitimate link.
So you click on the link.
A page opens and asks you to log in to your Instagram account.

Boom. Red flag.

The login can be sneaky or fake.

This is how hackers get your Instagram password (or your precious, private Instagram Access Token).
Once the hackers get one of these, they have access to your account.

And that’s how you lose your Instagram account.

So, how can the link be sent to you?

Six ways:

A. Playing games (and the game asks you to log in to your Instagram account to play)

B. Direct Message from a friend who got hacked

C. Fake Direct Message (DM) from an Instagram or Facebook account that pretends to be a real Instagram or Facebook employee or team.

They might say: “We can help you get your account verified!” or “You have violated Instagram’s Rules and Policies. Your account will be disabled in 24 hours if you do not reply. Click this link now if you think this is a mistake”.

NEVER click on their link. Instagram will NEVER send you a DM. Instagram will ALWAYS send you an email.

If Instagram wants to contact you, they will send you an email or message via the “Emails from Instagram” tab in your Instagram settings – which is the only place you will find direct and authentic communication from Instagram on the app.

D. Receiving a fake Facebook or Instagram email. You could receive an email from a fake Facebook or Instagram email address.

The email address you see that appears as the “sender” could be sneaky and fake.

ALWAYS check the email address it is coming from by revealing the actual email address (click on the email address or name you see as the sender to show the exact address).

If it comes from Instagram itself, the email address should end with …@instagram.com or …@facebook.com or …@support.facebook.com or …@mail.instagram.com). The address has to finish with instagram.com or facebook.com. It cannot be anything else. If unsure, do not click on any link.

E. Clicking on a fake link

You could receive an email from a brand or person with a link to click.
The link might appear to be authentic. But links can be very easily faked.

Here’s how to check if it is an actual link:

  • Right-click on the link
  • Copy the link
  • Paste it into your Notes app
  • You will see what the link truly is

Sometimes, the text of the link in the email appears to be a real link like “https://instagram.com. “ Or it can be a different word, like “Click here to see my account.” But in the “backend,” the link is something completely different. This tricks you into thinking it is an actual Instagram link.

F. Fake brand collaboration

You might receive an email or DM from a fake brand (that appears to be legitimate). And they are inviting you to collaborate.

They might send you a link to their Instagram account or website or for you to set up your profile on their “system.” Stop immediately if you are asked to log in with your Instagram account.

Check the Instagram login form URL:

  • Is it an Instagram.com URL? Or a random URL that is faking an Instagram login form?
  • Even if it is a real Instagram.com URL, you have to be careful.

2. Update your email address and phone number

Go to your Instagram settings and ensure your email address and phone number are up-to-date.

Your email address and phone number are how Instagram can contact you and send you information to get your account back.

So make sure they are up-to-date.

That’s it!

We're here to help you with your strategy, content, and engagement.
If you need any help or have any questions, send me an email at Joanna@goenge.com.

Enjoy Instagramming!