Copyright scammers get Instagram accounts suspended and demand payment
Scammers file fake Instagram copyright complaints to suspend accounts, then demand ransom via Telegram; Meta restored some affected accounts.
Criminals impersonate rights holders to file fraudulent copyright complaints on Instagram, and repeated claims can trigger temporary account suspensions. They then move victims to Telegram and demand payment, often in cryptocurrency, to withdraw the complaint; one history account owner paid $50 and was targeted again immediately. Meta's automated system does not verify complainants before acting, and the Delhi High Court is examining whether platforms can legally suspend accounts over copyright claims. Meta acknowledged in court that 13 strike notices against one user were fraudulent, and after BBC review it restored affected content and added unspecified protections.
- Scammers file fraudulent copyright complaints that trigger temporary Instagram suspensions.
- Victims are moved to Telegram and asked to pay to withdraw complaints.
- One creator paid $50 in crypto and was targeted again immediately.
- Meta acknowledged 13 fraudulent strikes in court; Delhi High Court reviewing suspensions.
- Advice: enable 2FA, verify complaints in-app, use official appeals, don't pay.
- ATT&CK
- T1656 Impersonation
- Vendors
- Meta
- Products
- Organizations
- Delhi High CourtBBCMalwarebytes
- Countries
- India
From the original article
4 min read at malwarebytes.com
Scammers are filing fraudulent copyright complaints to suspend Instagram accounts, then demanding payment to withdraw them.
By @malwarebytes · malwarebytes.com
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