Instagram Influencer Scams Alert Issued By Better Business Bureau

 

Scams come in a variety of ways these days, and many of them take place on social media. Like the Influencer on Instagram According to the Better Business Bureau, scams can lead to identity theft. An influencer is described as anyone with a large social media following. Many influencers receive endorsements from well-known brands, but their accounts can be hacked by scammers. Influencers on Instagram will hold product giveaways to promote their page or product. The scam begins when you receive a message from a scammer posing as an influencer or pretending to work with the giveaway sponsor. Then you’re told that you’ve won. However, you will be required to pay a delivery charge or provide personal details. Any details you provide will be sent directly to the scammers.

 

 

The Better Business Bureau has some advice about how to avoid becoming a victim of influencer fraud:

 

Any social networking site may benefit from the technique. Anyone who approaches you who you don’t meet directly should be regarded with suspicion. This assault takes advantage of your enthusiasm at winning a reward to cause you to behave rashly. Allowing the bad guys to play with your feelings is not a good idea.

 

Remember that cybercriminals steal your details using more than just emails. Always consider what you’re doing before you press! There’s even a scam involving Social Security that you should be aware of. Many Yakima residents claim to have received calls about Social Security cards recently. The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office first alerted about the fraud in 2019.

 

 

Scammers pretend to be from the IRS and leave a note. Your Social Security number has been withdrawn, they say on the voicemail. They encourage you to press one of the buttons to get more details. The IRS claims that this isn’t the case and that social security numbers are never disabled. To rectify the situation, the scammers ask for payment over the phone or via a gift card.

 

It’s a scam, according to authorities, so if you get a call, don’t answer it and never give out any financial or personal details over the line. Officials with the IRS claim that workers will never threaten or bully people in order to gain information. If this occurs, they advise you to hang up because the call is fake.