The most common Instagram scams
Romance scam (pig-butchering)
A relationship builds over weeks via DM, then you're pushed toward a fake crypto platform. The displayed gains are fictional.
Fake influencer investments
An account mimics or impersonates an influencer or brand to promote a fake guaranteed investment scheme.
DM account hacking
A fake "Instagram support" account contacts you first and asks for your credentials or a login code.
Recovery tool flaw
In 2026, a flaw in one of Meta's AI-powered recovery tools compromised over 20,000 accounts — a reminder that even official tools aren't foolproof.
How to spot a scam on Instagram
- A relationship that shifts toward crypto after weeks of DM conversation.
- Guaranteed return promoted by an account presenting itself as an influencer or trader.
- An "Instagram support" message that contacts you first — Meta never does this.
- Request for a login code or password by message.
- Urgency or pressure to act immediately without thinking.
What to do if you're targeted
- Never share your login code or password, even to "support".
- For a hacked account, use only the official form in the Instagram Help Center.
- Never deposit funds on a platform discovered via a DM.
- Report and block directly from the app.
How Egidio protects you
Egidio detects scam signals across more than 180 apps — including Instagram — on top of calls and SMS, and warns you before you open the trap.
Where others rely on a list of known numbers, Egidio detects the scam itself — even from an account it has never seen before.
100% on your phone. Egidio analyzes notifications locally: it doesn't store your conversations and sends nothing to a server. No ads, no account.
Download Egidio Call and SMS blocking are free · messaging protection is PremiumFrequently asked questions
How do I spot a scam on Instagram?
Be wary of a relationship that forms quickly then brings up a crypto opportunity, a "support" account that contacts you first, or an influencer promising guaranteed gains.
How do I recover a hacked Instagram account?
Use the official "Hacked Account" form in the Help Center, never a link received by message even if it looks like Instagram support.
What is pig-butchering on Instagram?
A trusted relationship builds over weeks via DM, then you're offered an investment on a fake crypto platform.
Does Egidio read my Instagram messages?
No. Egidio analyzes notifications on your phone to detect scam signals. It doesn't store your conversations and sends nothing to a server.
Is Egidio free?
Call and SMS blocking are free, forever. Messaging protection and Family mode are included in the Premium version.