A rising scam on Instagram is targeting creators and business owners by exploiting Meta’s automated copyright enforcement system. Fraudsters file fake copyright complaints against active accounts, triggering instant suspensions. Once the account is locked, the scammers contact the victim demanding cryptocurrency payments to withdraw the claim and restore access.
According to a BBC report, popular history page creator Olly lost access to his “Lost in Time History” account and paid $50 in cryptocurrency to regain control. The scam preys on users who rely on Instagram for income, knowing that a sudden suspension can cause panic and urgency.
How the Scam Works
- Scammers identify active Instagram pages, especially those with monetized content.
- They file false copyright reports claiming the page used their intellectual property without permission.
- Meta’s automated system often suspends the account without manual review.
- The scammers then message the victim, offering to withdraw the claim in exchange for payment (typically in cryptocurrency).
Paying does not guarantee account recovery, and the same scammers may demand additional money or continue targeting the victim.
What to Do If You Receive a Copyright Warning
Do not pay anyone who promises to restore your account. Instead, follow these steps:
- Read the warning carefully inside Instagram’s official app or website.
- Use Meta’s formal appeal process if the claim is false.
- Save screenshots of the warning and any messages from the scammers.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing passwords, login codes, or personal information.
- Only communicate about copyright issues through Instagram’s own support channels.
A fake copyright claim can be alarming, especially for daily Instagram users. Staying calm, refusing to pay, and using official recovery tools are the best defenses against this scam.