Phishing on Instagram: How Scammers Steal Your Money and How to Stop Them

When you get a DM on Instagram saying your account will be locked unless you click a link, that’s not a warning—it’s a phishing on Instagram, a type of online scam where fraudsters impersonate trusted brands or services to steal your login details, passwords, or financial information. Also known as social media fraud, it’s one of the fastest-growing ways hackers target everyday users—not just big investors. These aren’t vague spam messages. They look real: fake Instagram support profiles, polished logos, urgent language like "Your account has been flagged," and links that lead to copycat login pages. Once you enter your credentials, they own your account—and sometimes your bank account too.

What makes phishing on Instagram, a type of online scam where fraudsters impersonate trusted brands or services to steal your login details, passwords, or financial information. Also known as social media fraud, it’s one of the fastest-growing ways hackers target everyday users—not just big investors. so dangerous is how they piggyback on trust. They’ll mimic Fidelity, Robinhood, or even your own bank’s Instagram account. They’ll send you a "limited-time offer" for a free stock or crypto reward if you sign up through their link. Or they’ll claim you’ve won a giveaway and need to verify your identity with a screenshot of your login screen. These aren’t just annoying—they’re designed to bypass your instincts. And they work. In 2024, over 1 in 5 Instagram users reported being targeted by a financial scam, according to reports from the FTC and consumer watchdog groups.

It’s not just about your Instagram password. Once scammers get in, they often use your account to send the same fake messages to your followers—turning you into an unknowing spreader of the scam. They might also link your Instagram to other accounts: PayPal, Venmo, or even your brokerage login if you’ve ever used "Log in with Google" or "Sign in with Apple" across platforms. That’s why account takeover, when a hacker gains unauthorized access to your online account and uses it to steal money, data, or spread fraud. Also known as compromised account, it’s a direct result of poor password hygiene and clicking unverified links. is such a big threat. It doesn’t take a tech expert to pull this off. All they need is a convincing template, a fake domain, and a few hours to target people scrolling late at night.

You don’t need to be rich to be targeted. Scammers go after anyone with a public profile, a few followers, or even just a profile picture that looks like they might have savings. They look for people who follow finance pages, crypto influencers, or stock trading groups. If you’ve ever clicked on a "how to make $500 in crypto today" post, you’re on their radar. And they know you’re more likely to click "Verify Now" if you’re tired, distracted, or excited about a quick win.

So what can you do? Start with two simple habits: never click links in DMs from strangers—even if they "look" official—and always check the URL before typing anything. Hover over links (on desktop) or long-press them (on mobile) to see the real destination. If it’s not instagram.com or a known brand’s official site, close it. Enable two-factor authentication on every account you can, especially your email and brokerage logins. And if something feels off—trust it. Real companies don’t ask you to log in via DM.

Below, you’ll find real examples of how these scams play out, what red flags to spot, and exactly how to lock down your accounts before it’s too late. No fluff. No theory. Just what works.