Is this account alert from Instagram a scam?
Fake Instagram 'security alert' and 'account violation' messages are a common way scammers try to hijack accounts. A message, email or notification that looks like it's from Instagram can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Instagram message from a fake.
Genuine Instagram links only ever go to instagram.com. Below is exactly what a real Instagram message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Instagram message looks like
Genuine messages from Instagram only ever link to instagram.com.
- Instagram never sends SMS from Australian mobile numbers about your account.
- All genuine account notices appear only inside the Instagram app under Settings > Security.
- Instagram will never message you via DM asking you to click a link to fix a copyright claim.
- Login alerts and password-reset codes are sent only to the email address you verified in the app.
- Any genuine Instagram communication about a reported post or story appears as an in-app notification, never an external link.
Crucially, Instagram will never ask for your password or a login code by message, or threaten to delete your account within minutes.
Common Instagram scams
- Scammers send Instagram-style DMs claiming your post or reel has breached copyright and directing you to an external site to 'review the claim'.
- Messages pretend to be from Instagram Support and contain a shortened or misspelt domain urging you to log in to avoid account deletion.
- Fraudsters impersonate brand partners or verified accounts and ask you to 'confirm your business profile' on a fake login page.
- Scam DMs warn that your account will be suspended unless you verify your identity on a lookalike domain such as instagram-secure-review.com.
Red flags to watch for
- The message arrives as a DM rather than an in-app notification or email to your registered address.
- It contains any link outside instagram.com and urges immediate action to prevent account loss.
- The sender uses a display name like 'Instagram Help' or 'Meta Support' that you did not previously interact with.
- Grammar or spelling errors appear in an official-looking copyright or security warning.
- The message asks for your password, two-factor code or credit-card details under any pretext.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Instagram, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Hi, your recent reel may violate copyright. Review the claim here: instagram-copyright-review.com/login to avoid account suspension.
What gives it away:
- The message arrives as a DM rather than an in-app notification or email to your registered address.
- It contains any link outside instagram.com and urges immediate action to prevent account loss.
- The sender uses a display name like 'Instagram Help' or 'Meta Support' that you did not previously interact with.
- Grammar or spelling errors appear in an official-looking copyright or security warning.
- The message asks for your password, two-factor code or credit-card details under any pretext.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Instagram text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Instagram
- Open the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap the menu and then Settings to check any account alerts.
- Type instagram.com/help yourself in your browser to reach Instagram's official help centre.
Where to report a scam impersonating Instagram
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Instagram? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a DM from Instagram about a copyright claim with a link — is it a scam?
Yes. Instagram never sends DMs about copyright issues; any genuine notice appears inside the app under Settings > Security. Do not click the link and report the message as spam.
How do I know if an Instagram message about my account is real?
Only check account warnings inside the Instagram app. Never follow links sent via DM or SMS. If you are unsure, open the app manually and look under Settings.
What should I do if I clicked a suspicious Instagram link?
Change your Instagram password from a trusted device, enable two-factor authentication and monitor your linked email for unauthorised logins. Report the incident at cyber.gov.au.
Where can I report a fake Instagram DM in Australia?
Report the message inside Instagram, then forward details to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au or ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Instagram usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other social names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Instagram through an official channel.