Instagram scams: Instagram doesn’t DM you about your account
A direct message saying your Instagram account will be banned or deleted, an offer of a verification badge, or a “you won” giveaway link is a scam.
Instagram says it will never send you direct messages about your account in the app. The fake ones threaten a ban for a copyright or community violation and link to a page that steals your password. Instagram keeps a list of the real emails it sent you in the app, so you can check any message in a minute.
What it looks like
An example written by HARD, not a real message. Real ones change wording often.
Instagram direct message from an account called “Meta Support Team” with a blue tick in its profile picture
Your account has been reported for copyright infringement and will be permanently deleted in 24 hours. If you think this is a mistake, file an appeal here: [a link that isn’t instagram.com]
Check the one you got
Paste what you were sent. HARD checks it in this browser with the same rules as the Is this legit? check in its apps. Nothing you paste leaves this page.
How to tell it’s fake
“Instagram will never send you direct messages about your account in the Instagram app.”
Instagram Help Centre
- A DM about your account.
- Instagram says it doesn’t send these. Account notices appear in the app’s settings, not in DMs.
- A ban or deletion unless you click.
- Instagram says phishing messages threaten to ban or delete your account if you don’t follow their directions.
- A badge or a prize for a fee.
- Instagram warns of “account verification services” and lottery wins for a small advance fee.
- “Instagram security” asks for your login.
- Instagram warns of people claiming to be its security team asking for account information.
If you clicked, called or paid
- Change your password now.
- In the app’s Accounts Centre, then Password and security.
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- In the same place, and remove any login activity you don’t recognise.
- If you’re locked out.
- Go to instagram.com/hacked, typed in yourself.
- Report it.
- Report the account or message in the app. Forward phishing emails to [email protected]. If you paid, call your bank; in the US, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If it was your parents, read Look after your parents, and if a card number or password has gone, Breaches explains what each kind of leaked data lets criminals do.
The official way to check
- See the emails Instagram really sent.
- In the app: Settings, Accounts Centre, Password and security, then Recent emails. It lists official emails from the last 14 days.
- Run Security Checkup.
- Meta’s Security Checkup, in Accounts Centre, finds risky settings.
Someone on the phone asking for money right now? Guides has the two-step answer. More scams by name are on Is this a scam?, and new ones reach the Situation Room.
Questions
Does Instagram send DMs about copyright violations?
No. Instagram says it never sends direct messages about your account in the app. Check Recent emails in Accounts Centre for anything real.
How do I report an Instagram phishing email?
Forward it to [email protected], and report any account that messaged you from inside the app.
Can I buy a verification badge from someone on Instagram?
Offers of verification from accounts or DMs are scams. Any real verification is in the app’s own settings.
Sources
Sources checked on 7 Nov 2026.
- Instagram Help Centre: Avoid getting scammed on Instagram, read 7 November 2026: no DMs about your account; fake security staff, verification services, prizes for fees.
- Instagram Help Centre: Protect yourself from phishing, read 7 November 2026: ban or deletion threats; [email protected].
- Instagram Help Centre: Review recent emails sent from Instagram, read 7 November 2026: the list of official emails from the last 14 days.
- FTC: Slow your scroll, spot and avoid social media giveaway scams, 15 November 2023: fake “you won” comments and links asking for card details.