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It’s the go-to social media app for millions of people around the world, but if you use Instagram, make sure you’re on the lookout for a new text scam that’s circulating. Several Instagram users have reported receiving a reset password text, claiming to be from Instagram this week.
One user tweeted: “Has anyone else gotten a random text from Facebook saying “Tap to reset your Instagram password:” with an http://ig.me link? Checked Instagram and it doesn’t show any logins that weren’t me, so not sure if it’s legit?”
Another wrote: “If Instagram just texted me to reset my password does that mean someone is trying to hack me.”
And one said: “Nothing like getting that Instagram password reset when you didn’t submit anything lmao.”
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The message is not from Instagram, and is likely a new phishing scam designed to steal user passwords and access their accounts. It’s important to note that Instagram will only ever inform you if you need to update your password via email to your official email address.
Ray Walsh, Privacy Expert at ProPrivacy, said: “What consumers need to realise, is that these kinds of fake texts are usually exploited in some way by hackers and so it is essential that they don't click the links they contain and delete them at once. If a linked is clicked by mistake a user should disconnect the device from the internet and close the page.”
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Instagram has recently rolled out an update that allows you to see when it has officially reached out to you via email.
Simply open your Instagram app, head to Settings > Security > Emails from Instagram.
Mr Walsh added: “This feature is a good way to get absolute clarity over whether Instagram has attempted to contact you and ensures that users can single out phishing emails if they receive them.”
