Instagram users are facing a new scam. Criminals are filing false copyright claims against creators on the platform. These fake claims can lead to accounts being suspended or taken down.
After filing the bogus claims, the scammers contact the account owners. They demand money, or ransom, to withdraw the false copyright complaints.
This tactic exploits Instagram's system. The platform can ban accounts that receive multiple copyright claims, even if they are fake.
Some creators have reported losing significant amounts of money. The scammers are aware that users will pay to protect their online presence and livelihoods.
The exact number of victims and the total amount lost is still being investigated by authorities.