Over the past decade, Instagram has grown exponentially, with more than a billion monthly active users. However, with that increase in users has come an equal rise in fake accounts.
According to this report, as of 2019, there were approximately 95 million fake Instagram accounts, representing about 9.5% of the platform's total user base. With about 1 billion active users, that means roughly 1 in 10 Instagram accounts are fake.
You’ve probably received a weird-looking comment or direct message on Instagram that you could immediately tell was a scam. But fake accounts are becoming increasingly sophisticated as they take on a more “human” tone.
These malicious profiles are often created by scammers to spread misinformation, engage in phishing, and even perpetrate cyberbullying. As an Instagram user, you have the power to spot fake accounts and take them down, and in this article, we explore how to do that.
Why bother with fake accounts?
Even if you think you can smell a scam from a mile away, it’s not always cut and dried. Scammers are likely attempting:
- Personal information theft: Fake accounts often engage in phishing, where they trick users into revealing personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data.
- Spreading misinformation: These accounts can spread false information, which can harm reputations, influence public opinion, and even impact elections.
- Cyberbullying and harassment: Some fake accounts are created to target individuals with malicious intent, leading to cyberbullying and harassment. Hackers are
- Financial scams: Many fake accounts promote get-rich-quick schemes or fake products and services, leading to financial loss for unsuspecting users.
Learning to recognize and block these accounts helps protect not only your experience on social media but also the integrity of the platform and contributes to a safer online community.
Types of fake Instagram accounts
Fake accounts can take various forms, each serving different malicious purposes. Here are some common types:
- Bots are automated accounts programmed to perform specific actions such as liking posts, following users, or leaving comments. They are often used to inflate engagement metrics or spread spam.
- Impersonation accounts mimic real users by using their names, photos, and personal information. They are typically created to deceive followers, steal identities, or damage
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