The 5 most common scams on Instagram

As its popularity has increased, so has the number of scams, frauds and scams carried out by cybercriminals who exploit the trust and distraction of users.

Instagram scams are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to recognize. Some seem harmless, others rely on emotions or urgency. In this article, we will analyze The 5 most common scams on Instagram, how do they work, Why are they dangerous and, above all, How to defend yourself effectively in 2025 and beyond.

1. False giveaways and fraudulent contests

How it works

You happen to see a post announcing a contest with incredible prizes: iPhone, PlayStation 5, travel, Amazon vouchers. You are asked to follow an account, tag friends and click on a link to 'confirm participation'.

The link leads to an external page that looks authentic, but asks you to enter your personal data, telephone number or even credit card to 'confirm' your win.

Why is it dangerous

This data is then used for identity theft, telephone scams, bank phishing or hidden subscriptions. Giveaways are just bait.

How to defend yourself

• Always check if the account is verified (blue check).
• Avoid clicking external links if you are not absolutely sure.
• Never enter sensitive data on unknown sites or with suspicious URLs.

👉 Concerned about a link or a site? Use Welo to request a free private verification. We'll get back to you in less than 24 hours.

‍

2. Fake influencer and brand profiles

How it works

A profile with thousands of followers and a curated feed writes to you in DM. It presents itself as a famous brand or an influencer and offers a collaboration, an exclusive promotion or a private discount code. It often redirects you to an external site where you can 'buy' or 'register'.

Why is it dangerous

Many profiles are almost perfect clones of real accounts. Scammers duplicate their name, bio, and content to appear authentic. Once they gain your trust, they try to trick you into clicking trap links or making payments.

How to defend yourself

• Always check the exact @handle and if the account is verified.
• If you receive an unsolicited DM with a link or economic request, Ignore and report.
• Search for the real profile on Google or directly in the Instagram search bar.

👉 With Welo you can analyze any site or shop linked to a suspicious profile. Go up Private Verification and insert the link. We'll tell you if it's safe or not.

‍

3. Miracle Investments (Crypto, Forex, NFT)

How it works

An account with motivational posts and earnings charts contacts you to propose an investment in cryptocurrency, forex or NFT. They tell you that you can double your money in a few days and they show testimonials from other satisfied users.

Why is it dangerous

These scams are well organized: sometimes they take you to a fake trading platform, show you fictitious earnings and then ask you for more money to 'unlock the withdraw'. In reality, you will never see a single euro back.

How to defend yourself

• No serious advisor writes in DM proposing “risk-free” investments.
• Avoid screenshots and earnings that are 'too good to be true'.
• If you're asked for a wire transfer or prepayment, it's a scam.

👉 Did you receive a suspicious proposal? With Welo you can have the site or the intermediary analyzed privately. Request a verification now >

‍

4. Romance scams

How it works

A fascinating profile follows you, likes you and starts to write to you. The conversation becomes personal, an emotional bond develops. After a few days or weeks, the problems start: the person tells you that they need money for an emergency, a trip or a humanitarian cause.

Why is it dangerous

Romance scams are devastating. They rely on loneliness and trust to get money. They often involve images stolen from real users and an elaborate staging.

How to defend yourself

• Never send money to people you've never met live.
• Beware of those who avoid video calls or refuse to show themselves.
• Use Google Lens or sites like Yandex Images to search where your profile photos come from.

👉 Do you have doubts about the true identity of a profile? Enter the link in Welo and find out for sure. Do a check>

‍

5. Fake Instagram shops and ghost products

How it works

Scroll through Instagram and find a shop that sells sneakers, bags, smartwatches at bargain prices. The site looks professional, the photos are curated and the feedback is “positive”... but after the purchase, The product never arrives.

Why is it dangerous

These e-commerce are created to scam and disappear after a few days. There is no customer service, no valid telephone number or VAT number. Sometimes payments are stolen even without completing an order.

How to defend yourself

• Always check if the site has an 'About Us' page, legal conditions and privacy policy.
• Look for real reviews on independent portals like Trustpilot or Reviews.io.
• Avoid payments through wire transfers or rechargeable cards.

👉 Do you want to know if a shop on Instagram is safe? Send the link to Welo for a full analysis. Check a site now >

‍

Conclusion: How to defend yourself against Instagram scams

Instagram scams are constantly evolving. In 2025 and beyond, fraudsters use increasingly convincing techniques: fake accounts, pages identical to the official ones, bots that comment and promote links, even fraudulent sponsored advertisements.

The first weapon is awareness.
Knowing the most common scams allows you to recognize them before it's too late.

The second weapon is Welo.
With Welo, you can:

• Request free private checks on any suspicious site, shop or link.
• Receive a detailed response in less than 24 hours.
• Know with certainty If a site is trustworthy or to avoid.

🔒 Not sure whether to trust?

👉 Request a free private verification with Welo.
Protect your data, your money, and your online identity.

📲 Follow Welo on Instagram to stay updated on the latest scams and get useful tips.