Beware of Instagram verification scams. Know everything so as not to fall for the bait.
The Instagram verification process is very strict. In order to receive the blue badge, a number of conditions must be met. If Instagram contacts you to let you know you are eligible for this review, you might think you’re in luck. Don’t worry, this is a scam.
Beware of Instagram verification scams
Attackers take advantage of people’s desire to get verified on Instagram. According to BleepingComputer, Vade analysts have uncovered a scam that attempts to trick users into thinking they are eligible for verification. Since this summer, this scam has become widespread.
The campaign starts like this: you get an email from “ig-badges”telling you that Instagram has decided your account is eligible for the blue badge. All you have to do is click on the link in the email, fill out the form, and the verification will start. To add to the urgency of the situation, the email states that you must respond within 48 hours or the form will be deleted.
If you click on the relevant link, you will be taken to a form that attempts to impersonate a legitimate verification site with logos from various meta apps. That being said, the mention of “Facebook” may sound somewhat alarming. Small mistakes like this should baffle you. You have to pay attention to the smallest details when you want to set up a scam.
Know everything so as not to be deceived
Either way, the form asks for your Instagram ID, real name, email address, and phone number before asking for your password. This last request should allow you to “verify”that you have access to the account in question. Obviously.
Once your information has been submitted, the site will notify you that you will be contacted within 48 hours to confirm that the blue badge has been applied correctly. Instead, the people behind that email address have your credentials. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, a password won’t be enough for hackers to gain access to your account, but it’s still a good idea to never interact with scammers, especially when you provide them with personal information.
For your information, Instagram will never contact you directly to verify your account. The only way to get the blue badge is to apply and of course meet the strict criteria. It is fairly easy to prove that you are the owner of the account and that no third party representing you is making the request on your behalf. It’s also easy to fill out your profile with a profile picture, bio, and available to everyone (public). The hardest part is proving that you deserve the badge. Instagram needs your account to be visible, in other words, known and in demand. But even if you meet all the criteria, verification is not guaranteed.
All this to the fact that there is nothing very accurate to check. But if you receive an email stating that you are eligible for review, delete it. And don’t think about it anymore.