Social media scams

Is this Instagram copyright violation DM a scam?

Likely scam High risk Instagram, Facebook

Commonly seen since 2023. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.

Example only - do not act on it

Example only: Your account has violated copyright rules and will be deleted in 24 hours. Confirm your details to appeal: [fake-link removed]

Why this message is suspicious

Platforms handle violations in-app, not via DM links.
It uses a deadline to panic you.
The 'appeal' link is a phishing page for your login.

What the scammer wants

Your account login
Two-step codes to take over the account

Common variations

'Community guidelines violation'
Account will be suspended
Appeal/verify form link
Message from a fake 'support' account

Red flags to watch for

Urgency Suspicious Link Fake Authority Credentials

What to do now

Do not tap the link.
Check notifications inside the official app.
Turn on two-step verification.

What not to do

Do not log in through the DM link.
Do not share codes.
Do not pay an 'appeal fee'.

If you already responded

Act quickly - the sooner you respond, the more you can limit. Find the situation that matches what you did:

If you clicked a link: If you entered your login, change your password from a trusted device and review active sessions; see the account-hacked guide.

If you paid: If you paid a fake 'reinstatement fee', contact your bank to dispute it.

If you shared a code, OTP, or login: Change your password, sign out of all sessions, and re-secure two-step verification immediately.

If you only clicked the link but entered nothing: close the page, don't enter anything, and watch the linked accounts for unusual activity. Full steps →

If you entered card details: contact your bank now to freeze the card and dispute charges, then watch your statement. Full steps →

If you shared an OTP or one-time code: the scammer may be logging in right now - change the password, sign out other sessions, and turn on app-based 2FA. Full steps →

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider immediately to try to stop or recall it, and report it. Full steps →

If you installed an app / gave remote access: disconnect from the internet, uninstall it, and change key passwords from a different, trusted device. Full steps →

If you shared passport, ID, or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert, and keep the evidence. Full steps →

Watch out for a second scam. People who've just lost money are often contacted again by a fake "recovery" service promising to get it back for an upfront fee. Legitimate recovery never starts with a fee paid to someone who contacted you - see recovery scams.

First time dealing with this? Start with the first 24 hours after a scam checklist and how to save evidence.

How to report it

Report through official channels for your country. Use our scam reporting directory to find the right authority, and never use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message itself. If an official link looks outdated, tell us so we can review it.

Official sources checked

FBI IC3 - Senior US officials impersonated in malicious messaging campaign (2025) High reliability

Law-enforcement alert

Reviewed 2026-06-05. See our methodology for how we select sources.

Frequently asked questions

Does Instagram warn you by DM?

Official notices appear inside the app, not as DMs with outside links. Treat appeal links in DMs as phishing.