How To Detect Phishing On Instagram DMs

Phishing attacks have exploded in recent years, and unfortunately, the number of attacks keep growing. Since late 2022, phishing attack volume has increased by over 4,100%, thanks largely to AI generation tools becoming widely available. As a result, cybercriminals now send an estimated 3.4 billion phishing emails every single day, and social media platforms have become prime targets.

During the third quarter of 2024, a massive 30.5% of phishing attacks worldwide targeted social media platforms, making Instagram one of the most heavily targeted sectors for phishing campaigns.

The good news? You can still protect yourself. If you learn to spot warning signs and use the right tools, you’ll avoid falling victim to these attacks.

So in this blog post, we'll cover how to detect phishing messages on Instagram (both manually and through automated protection tools).

How To Detect Phishing Messages On Instagram

There are two main ways to detect phishing messages on Instagram. The first approach is to manually analyze every message you receive for signs of phishing. This requires knowledge of common phishing tactics and careful attention to detail. The second approach is to use AI-powered tools that automatically analyze your direct messages for indications of social engineering and phishing links.

Both methods have their place, but combining them gives you the strongest protection. Let's start with what you can do on your own.

Manual Approach

Spotting phishing messages requires you to slow down and look for red flags before clicking anything. Here are some key things to watch for when reviewing your DMs.

Check The Sender's Profile

Before responding to any message, examine the sender's profile carefully. Look for signs that the account might be fake. For example, a recently created account, very few posts, an unusually low follower count, or a username that mimics a legitimate brand with slight misspellings. Scammers often create convincing profiles that copy logos and images from real accounts, so pay close attention to small details that seem off.

Watch Out For Urgency Tactics

Phishing messages almost always create artificial time pressure. They might claim your account will be deleted in 24 hours, that you need to verify your identity immediately, or that you'll miss an exclusive opportunity if you don't act now. Legitimate companies very rarely demand instant action through Instagram DMs. When a message makes you feel panicked or rushed, that's a major red flag.

Examine Links Before Clicking

Phishing links often use domains that look similar to legitimate websites but contain subtle differences. For example, attackers might use "instagran.com" instead of "instagram.com" or add extra words like "instagram-verify-account.com." Never click on links in DMs unless you're certain they're legitimate. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the address in your browser.

Notice Generic Greetings

If you've interacted with a company before, they'll likely know your name. Messages that start with "Dear User," "Hello Customer," or "Valued Member" should raise immediate suspicion. Legitimate businesses personalize their communications, especially when reaching out about important account matters.

Look For Poor Writing Quality

Professional organizations employ skilled copywriters and review their communications before sending them. Multiple spelling errors, awkward grammar, or unusual phrasing suggests you're dealing with a scam. However, keep in mind that AI has made it easier for scammers to produce polished text, so don't rely on this sign alone.

Question Unsolicited Requests

Real companies will never ask for your password, credit card information, or other sensitive data through Instagram DMs. If anyone (even someone claiming to be from Instagram support) asks you to share your login credentials or click a link to "verify" your account, it's most likely a scam. Instagram handles account verification through the app itself, not through direct messages.

Verify Through Official Channels

When you receive a suspicious message from what appears to be a brand or company, don't respond through the DM. Instead, contact the company directly through their official website or verified social media account. This extra step can save you from falling victim to an impersonation scam.

Automated Approach

The most reliable way to detect phishing on Instagram messages is to use a social media security tool like Spikerz. While manual detection works, it requires constant vigilance and can't catch everything (especially as phishing attacks become more sophisticated with AI assistance).

Spikerz continuously monitors your direct messages and comments for suspicious content. It automatically filters out harmful links and provides immediate alerts about potential scams. The platform identifies phishing attempts (even those coming from seemingly trusted sources) before they can harm you or your followers.

Besides phishing protection, Spikerz offers complete security for your social media presence. For example, the platform detects brand impersonators attempting to spread misinformation, execute scams, or damage your reputation.

Spikerz also helps prevent account hijacking by analyzing abnormal patterns of account usage and flagging anomalies that might indicate compromise. Its comment moderation capabilities ensure your posts align with platform policies and remove spam and other unwanted comments to help you avoid violations that could lead to account suspension.

Lastly, for businesses and creators with social media teams, Spikerz offers permission management features that centralize all your social media role permissions in one place. You get complete visibility into who has access to your accounts and their permission levels. This ensures team members never have more access than necessary for their roles, and you can quickly revoke permissions when someone leaves your organization.

Conclusion

Phishing attacks on Instagram DMs are a growing threat that shows no signs of slowing down. But you're not powerless against them. If you learn to recognize the warning signs, you’ll be able to avoid most phishing attempts before they succeed.

That said, manual detection works, but it demands constant attention and can't catch every threat. That's where automated protection makes the difference. Tools like Spikerz work around the clock to monitor your messages, filter malicious content, and alert you to potential scams. They also protect against impersonators, account hijacking, and content violations. So use them to protect your digital presence today.