Have you received an email from Instagram asking you to reset your password? You’re not alone. Recently, thousands of users received what appeared to be a legitimate password reset email despite never asking for one. This prompted the question: Is this an Instagram password reset scam?
Instagram employees insist that the emails are genuine and caused by a glitch. However, that doesn’t change the fact that malicious actors will frequently use password reset emails to gather personal data, login details, and even perform identity theft. Knowing how to tell a genuine email from a scam one can help you protect your account and online information.
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What Is an Instagram Password Reset Scam?
An Instagram password reset scam is where a cybercriminal sends an official-looking email asking you to reset your password. These emails may use the Instagram logo and similar wording to a real password reset email. However, the main difference is that the link will take you to a fake login page.
This login page is used by criminals to gather your account username and password. With this information, scammers can now log in to your Instagram account and steal your personal information. They may also use your account to contact others, spreading scams and misinformation.
With enough personal information, identity theft is possible. The criminals may use your details to hack your bank account, other social media accounts, or email accounts. It’s even easier when you use the same password for multiple accounts.
How to Spot and Avoid Instagram Password Reset Fraud
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms, has put some handy info together to help users spot and prevent the Instagram password reset scam.
To summarize, a genuine Instagram email will always come from an address that ends with @mail.instagram.com. They also point out that a password reset email isn’t always a scam. It could simply be that someone typed their login details incorrectly and inadvertently sent the reset link to your email address.
Here’s an example of a genuine Instagram password reset email:
However, it’s important to note that some scam emails can look very convincing. The best advice is to never click a link from a password reset email you weren’t expecting. Instead, head to your Instagram account and attempt to log in as usual. If you have any issues, request a password reset link yourself and follow the prompts. It’s a good idea to change your password every few weeks for additional security.
Stay Informed About Password Reset Scams
Fake password reset emails are a common way scammers gather login details for social media platforms and other online portals. Once you know what to look out for and how to practice good digital hygiene, you’ll be able to avoid these scams easily. Sign up for Scam Detector’s Scam Alerts to get regular updates on password reset fraud and other social media scams, and how to avoid them.
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When my sweet old grandmother got caught up in an Amazon gift card scam, I decided then and there that I needed to do whatever I could to inform as many people as possible about the grifters of the world. That’s what I do here – writing about modern scams so you don’t get caught out.
