Instagram Users, Beware Of Copyright Infringement Warning You May Receive In DMs
Image via ALEX_UGALEK / Shutterstock.com
Instagram users, beware of a direct message accusing you of copyright infringement even if it comes from a legitimate account—because it is almost certainly a phishing scam.
The con was sighted by Fstoppers’ Andy Day, who wrote that he had received the copyright infringement message from The North Face Chile account.
@thenorthfacechile has over 150,000 followers and over 100 public posts, according to Google’s history. However, the account is currently private, and because it has been sending out phishing messages, it is believed to have been taken over by hackers.
In a detailed post, Day wrote that the message alerted him of a “copyright violation” found in a post in his account. “If you think copyright infringement is wrong, you should provide feedback. Otherwise, your account will be closed without 24 hours,” the notification read.
The alert also contains the URL “instagramhelpnotice.com,” directing users to “provide feedback” there. If you click on the link, a page appearing like an official Instagram page will be displayed.
You will be prompted to log into your account using your username and password. The second step requires you to key in your email address. After doing so, you will be redirected to Instagram’s homepage.
By completing the steps above, scammers should now have this sensitive information in their hands. Although Instagram accounts might not contain exploitable information, PetaPixel wrote that many could be using the same passwords for their Instagram and email accounts, which probably contain sensitive details.
Way also reminded users that this copyright infringement scam will contain a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes, so keep a lookout for them. The shady site, despite looking like Instagram, also isn’t hosted by the official Instagram.com.
Hi Internet! Got a question...anyone ever get a weird message about copyright infringement from this handle on Instagram?
— Mark Ellis (@markellislive) June 27, 2020
It seems like a scam, but they’re saying my account will he closed in 24 hours if I don’t take action. Please don’t deny the world more 🐶 pics! pic.twitter.com/OmT9d2kOIn
[via PetaPixel, opening image via ALEX_UGALEK / Shutterstock.com]
Also check out these recent news
