What to do first
Stop. Don’t reply, don’t click and don’t send money, codes or ID. Take a screenshot of the message and the profile. If it came from a friend’s account, that account may be hacked, so contact the friend another way.
Step 1: Recognise the common shapes
- “Your account will be banned” messages with a link to appeal or verify.
- Giveaway and prize messages that need a fee or details first.
- Fake brand or collaboration offers that ask you to click a link or pay for “shipping”.
- Investment or crypto tips promising returns.
- Fake sellers who ask you to pay by transfer outside the app.
- Hacked friends asking for codes or urgent money.
Step 2: Report and block
Open the chat, tap the name, choose Report and pick the scam or fraud option. Then block the account. If you’re reporting a fake business account, also use the profile’s three-dot menu to report impersonation.
Step 3: If you clicked or entered details
Change your Instagram password right away, log out other sessions and check Recent emails in Accounts Center. If you entered a code, treat the account as compromised and follow our hacked-account guide. If you used the same password elsewhere, change those too.
Step 4: If you paid
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately and ask about stopping or disputing the payment. Report the fraud to your local consumer protection authority or police. Instagram can’t refund money sent to a scammer.
Ten-second checks before you respond to any offer
- Does the username match the real brand’s verified profile, character for character?
- Did they contact you first about something you never applied for?
- Does it ask you to leave Instagram for another app or a link?
- Is there urgency, a deadline or a penalty?
- Is payment requested by transfer, gift card or crypto?
Two or more “yes” answers is enough reason to stop. Contact the brand through the contact details on its official website, not the ones in the message.
What not to do
- Don’t pay “recovery fees” to someone who says they can get lost money back. That’s a second scam.
- Don’t send ID or codes to anyone in a DM.
- Don’t post the scammer’s personal details publicly.
Official sources
Meta and Snap update their help pages and flows often. Always follow the wording on your own screen and the current official Help Center. Unbanz is an independent service and is not affiliated with Meta, Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat.