Instagram scams: how to spot a fake seller, friend or crush
Quick answer
Common Instagram scams are fake shops with cheap ads, romance scams and messages from hacked friends asking for money. The FTC says to check a company before buying and to call a friend directly if they ask for money. Report to Instagram and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Social media, Ad
- Last updated
How it works
The FTC says shopping scams are the most reported kind on social media, with investment and romance scams also common. It says people reported losing $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, and nearly 60% of people who lost money to a romance scam said it started on social media.
Shopping scams often look like ads for high-priced items at low prices. Romance scammers use what's on your profile to build a connection before they ask for money. A message from a friend asking for money or a grant may come from a hacked account.
Red flags
- An ad for an expensive item at a very low price
- A shop with no reviews or complaints you can find
- A new admirer who quickly asks for money
- A friend's message asking for money or a grant
- A request to pay by gift card, wire or crypto
Example message
Hey, it's me. I just got a grant and you can too. Message this account at [link] to claim yours, it only takes a small fee.
What to do
- 1
Check before you buy
Search the company's name with the word "scam" or "complaint".
- 2
Call your friend directly
If a friend asks for money, phone them. Their account may be hacked.
- 3
Limit who can see your posts and contacts
Tighten your privacy settings.
- 4
Report it
Report to Instagram, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers use what you post and what's public about you. Names, phone numbers and addresses also sit on people-search sites. Serus finds where your information is listed and removes it where it can, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach.
Frequently asked
How common are social media scams?
The FTC says people reported losing $2.1 billion to them in 2025.
A friend asked me for money. Is it real?
Call them directly. The FTC says the account may be hacked.
How do I check a shop?
Search its name with "scam" or "complaint" before you buy, as the FTC suggests.
Where do I report it?
To the platform and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
