Guide · Instagram scams · Updated June 2026
Instagram scams move fast: fake creators, fake Meta support, romance DMs, crypto mentors, giveaway pages, and recovery scammers can change usernames or delete posts as soon as victims push back. Save evidence first, then report the exact profile, message, post, reel, or story.
Step 1
Screenshot the username, profile URL, DMs, payment requests, fake giveaways, crypto wallet addresses, phone numbers, and any links. Reporting can hide the account from you, so collect evidence first.
Step 2
Open the profile → tap the three dots → Report → Something about this account → Scam or fraud. If it is impersonating you or someone you know, choose Pretending to be someone instead.
Step 3
Open the post or reel → tap the three dots → Report → Scam or fraud. For a story, tap the three dots while the story is open and report it before it disappears.
Step 4
Open the conversation → tap the profile or group name → Report. If the scammer sent a link, fake support message, investment pitch, romance request, or recovery-service promise, include the chat in the report.
Step 5
Block the account and any backup accounts they mention. Do not warn them first; that gives them time to delete evidence, change names, or move victims to WhatsApp or Telegram.
Step 6
Add the Instagram username, copied profile link, payment address, or message text to GACS so future targets can see a warning before replying.
Open the scam profile, tap the three dots, choose Report, then select Scam or fraud. If the account is pretending to be you, a friend, a celebrity, or a business, choose Pretending to be someone and follow the identity prompts.
Report first, then block. If you block before reporting, it can be harder to find the profile, posts, and messages again. Screenshot evidence before doing either.
Yes. Open the conversation, tap the profile or group name, then choose Report. Include the chat when Instagram asks so reviewers can see the scam message, links, and payment request.
Stop sending money, screenshot everything, report the account to Instagram, contact your bank or wallet provider, file with your national cybercrime authority, and watch for recovery scammers who promise guaranteed refunds.
Reporting to Instagram helps remove the account. Submitting the handle to GACS helps the next person search before they reply, pay, or click.
US-specific: URLs, what to include, what to expect.
Videos, live streams, DMs, impersonators.
Every channel, every agency, in the right order.
The exact call script and Regulation E language.
Independent primary sources used to check and corroborate the guidance on this page.
Official US channel for reporting internet-enabled fraud and cybercrime.
Consumer fraud reporting and published enforcement data.
UK national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
Canada's central repository for fraud reports and scam alerts.
Source: GACS — Global Anti-Crime & Safety · Published by the GACS Research Team · Updated August 6, 2026
Cite this page: GACS (2026). How To Report A Scam On Instagram — GACS. https://gacs.app/guides/how-to-report-a-scam-on-instagram · Record ID GACS-guides-how-to-report-a-scam-on-instagram
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