INDIANAPOLIS — The Better Business Bureau serving Central Indiana says scammers may be in your Instagram direct messages with a link that could compromise your account.
The message appears to be from someone you follow who could ask you to take a survey or to “check out this cool video" with a link to click on.
That link could be from a scammer who hijacked that user's account, and by clicking the scammer's link your Instagram account could also be compromised.
The BBB says in order to regain access to your account, you must film a video stating you have invested in some type of cryptocurrency and encourage your followers to do the same.
That video may or may not get you your account back, and the scammer could then reach out to your followers with a malicious link.
The BBB shared the following tips:
- Be wary of online messages. Sometimes friends share things without checking them out first, and online accounts can be hacked. Take a closer look before sharing, applying, or donating.
- Contact your friend outside of Instagram, to see if they really sent you the message.
- Do some research. Go to BBB.org/scamtracker to see if something like this is being reported in your area.
- Press for details. Ask strategic questions without giving any personal information to confirm you are actually talking to someone you know. If your “friend” can’t give you straight answers, leave the conversation, block them and then change your account settings as well as your password.
- Check your friends list. If you've gotten a friend request from someone you think is already your friend, check your friends list to see if this could be a duplicate, fake account.
- Report suspicious activity. Report scammers and impersonations to help protect your real friends and family from a scam. You can reduce the risk of having your profile impersonated by tightening up your privacy settings and hiding your Friends list.
-
Hoosiers face mounting medical debt reaching thousands of dollars
Bearing the burden of medical debt impacts many Hoosier families. In our state, there’s an estimated $2.2 billion of medical debt in collections.
Council approves Sept. 22 public hearing on Google data center fate
Monday night, all 25 City-County Council members voted to approve a public hearing on the proposed Franklin Township Google Data Center for September 22 after a packed meeting.
Hamilton County Drug Court program helps residents achieve sobriety
Hamilton County Drug Court provides treatment instead of jail for repeat DUI offenders, requiring weekly court appearances, recovery coaching, and outpatient therapy.
Hobbs Station development signals major growth for Plainfield
The first phase of a $26 million public-private project is nearly complete, bringing new housing, jobs and infrastructure improvements to Hendricks County.
