Better Business Bureau serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia offers tips and advice for consumers to avoid fraudulent practices.
Scammers know that your online reputation can dramatically affect your business. That is why they have come up with this new scam. Beware of fake copyright infringement notices that prompt you to share your social media credentials.
How the scam works
You receive an official-looking email or a direct message on Instagram or another social media platform. The message claims that you have violated the platform’s copyright terms. You must complete a form immediately, or “your account will be deleted in 24 hours.” In some cases, the scammer may send you an email that appears to come directly from Instagram. In other variations, the fake message comes from the account you allegedly infringed upon.One business owner told BBB.com/ScamTracker about their experience receiving a fake copyright infringement notice on Instagram. “An account messaged me on Instagram and said I had to follow a link to fill out an appeal form because I supposedly violated some copyright. Against my better judgment, I clicked on the link, and it took me to a fake Instagram login page. I messaged the person to ask what happened, and they just kept saying they cannot help me if I do not fill out the form with the correct login information.”If you provide your login credentials, scammers will be able to take over your social media account and impersonate you….
