Tap to Access Your Instagram Account Scam: How to Avoid It

Tap to access your Instagram account is a popular phishing scam

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Key notes

  • Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms, making it a big target for phishing.
  • Tapping on a link with malicious activities lessens the risk of scams.
  • Two-factor authentication is a reliable way of preventing account hijacks.
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Internet scams are rampant today. Several users complain about falling for different kinds of scams or fraud online. However, people can fall victim to these online threats in several ways.

For instance, we have phishing, social media scams, online banking fraud, and lots more. Furthermore, the social media scam is one of the most common online scams.

The scammer uses various means to gain access to the victims, after which he steals vital information. Users frequently complain about the Tap to access your Instagram account scam. This kind of scam can be referred to as Instagram phishing.

Furthermore, phishing scams work in a way that the user gets messages or pop-ups that urge him to take action, like using account details.

The scammer posts a pop-up that requests you to tap to access your Instagram account scam from Facebook. Requests like these are not always from trusted sources and can lead to you losing your information or account.

Why did I get a tap to access your Instagram account message?

Users can get the Tap to access your Instagram account message from any platform accessible to the scammer. Platforms like Facebook, websites, and other social media platforms are perfect hideouts for these scammers to post deceptive messages.

However, you get this message because an intruder is trying to get you to tap the link in the message. Afterward, you’ll be asked to input your login information which will give them access to your account.

It happens because the link in the message has been rigged and exposes any activities you do through the link to the scammer.

Hence, whenever you get the tap to access your Instagram account message, it is not to be trusted and can cause immense loss like account hijacking and information theft.

How do Instagram accounts get hacked?

  • Through malicious software: Hijackers can send messages rigged with malicious software to your device, e.g., the tap to access your Instagram account scam. However, the moment you tap the link, it sends the software w your device, creating a loophole for the intruder to enter.
  • In-app scams: Online scammers can take over your account through in-app scam tricks. It involves another Instagram user sending a message asking another user to visit the link in the message. However, people mostly get tricked into this kind of scam when they get offered a certain sum of money.

There are several other ways hijacker’s can take over your Instagram account.

Quick Tip:

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What can I do if I get the tap to access your Instagram account scam message?

1. Ignore the message

The first thing to do whenever you get the tap to access your Instagram account scam message is to ignore it. Tapping on the message can instantly leave you at the threat of being scammed or hijacked.

2. Report the account

  1. Tap the three dots above the post.
  2. Tap Report.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Whenever you get malicious messages from an in-app scammer, you should report such a user so the account can be blocked.

3. Enable two-factor authentication

  1. Launch Instagram on your device and click settings.
  2. Choose Privacy and Security and select Two-factor Authentication.
  3. Click to use either the Text message or an authentication app.
  4. Input your details and save.

Two-factor authentication allows you to set more than one checkpoint for your account before you can access it. It helps protect you from online threats to gain access to your account.

Can someone hack my Instagram if I have two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication gives you additional protection for your accounts. It helps you get safe from phishing and hijacking. However, it is almost impossible to hijack your Instagram account without two-factor authentication.

How can you tell a scammer on Instagram?

Instagram will never ask users to click a link to another page while in the app. Hence, any message stating that you should click a link to win treasures or money is a scam.

Likewise, scammers always leave a scent of mischief in their messages. So, you’ll be able to tell a scammer by patiently checking the information sent and the credibility of such messages.

There are several other online scams users can encounter. Hence, we recommend that you check out our article on some and how you can protect yourself against them.

Conclusively, users can read our article about the best anti-exploit software to protect your browser.

Leave your questions and suggestions in the comments section below. We’d like to hear from you.

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