Scammers demand ransoms from Instagram users over fake copyright claims
Instagram creators are being targeted by scammers who file fraudulent copyright claims to force account suspensions, then demand ransoms for their removal. Victims report that Meta's automated appeal process is slow and ineffective, leaving creators vulnerable to financial loss.
Why it matters
This highlights significant security vulnerabilities in social media platform moderation systems and the growing threat of digital extortion against content creators.
Image source, Reuters By Imran Rahman-Jones Technology reporter Published 10 minutes ago Instagram creators say they have lost thousands of pounds after their accounts were suspended or taken down due to fake copyright claims.
Extorters have filed bogus claims to the Meta-owned social media platform, then asked for ransoms to withdraw them - knowing repeated claims can lead to account bans.
One Instagram user, who has 1.5 million followers, told the BBC he paid a scammer $50 (£37) to get his account back, claiming Meta's appeal process would take weeks, which had previously cost him thousands in lost income.
"We understand this can be frustrating for those impacted, and our systems are designed to protect people from this happening in the first place," a Meta spokesperson said.
"Following our review, we have restored the affected content and added additional protections to safeguard accounts against further attempts of this kind."
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