Is [email protected] Legit Or A Scam?

Have you received an email from [email protected]? Are you worried that you might be a victim of phishing? Are you thinking, ‘Is [email protected] legit or a scam?’

First, you deserve to be praised for being cautious. In today’s world of social networking, where people have shared their personal details for the world to see, it is always better to be on high alert.

Especially when you receive an email from a suspicious-looking id like [email protected], it makes you wonder if security @ mail.instagram.com is [email protected] legit or a scam?

No. It is not a scam. It is the mail id used by the Instagram security team. If you face any security issues while using the Instagram app, you can report it to the team using this mail id [email protected]. But when you find an email from them in your inbox, make sure to check it thoroughly so that it is not from a scammer.

Is [email protected] Legit Or Scam?

You will receive an official mail from the Instagram security team if they want to make any official announcement made by the company. They will also reply to any of your queries using this id.

Is [email protected] Legit?

When you receive an email from [email protected], make sure that you check the following, to know if it is legit.

1. Check Mail Id

Most phishers deceive their targets by making a minor change to the original email ID. For ex: note that [email protected] is a scam. Look closely to notice the missing ‘.’

2. Check The Spelling

Minute changes in the spelling of the email ID are made to deceive the target.

For ex: note that [email protected] is a scam. Only if you look closely will you notice the ‘n.’

3. Grammatical Errors

Fraudulent emails are usually found to have a lot of grammatical errors.  No official emails will have this issue. So be alert if you find minor errors in grammar.

4. Have Attachments And Links

When you open an official email, and see that it has unnecessary attachments and rerouting links, close it immediately and report the same.  Beware, these attachments could have viruses that could steal all your information.

5. Messages That Require Immediate Response

Fraudsters are impatient. They instigate fear in their victims and expect them to respond immediately. Know that any communication made by Instagram will not require immediate action from the user. If you find such impatient mails, just close and report it.

6. Requesting Your Personal Information

Keep in mind that Instagram will not ask for your personal information through email.  They ask for your information only to update your profile in the application. Not through an email.

7. Require Monetary Action

Instagram does not ask for your financial details. They would never ask for you to make any immediate payments or transfer funds. If the mail requests you to send your bank details, close it, delete it, and report it.

How to Protect Yourself From Being Scammed?

Are you wondering if you can protect yourself from being scammed? You can use the following steps to protect your information.

1. Use Secured Password

Do not use a simple password that can be guessed with your personal information on your profile.  Form a foolproof password that cannot be cracked easily by hackers. Make sure that your password has 14-16 characters. It should be a combination of uppercase and lowercase alphabets, numbers, and special characters.

2. Do Not Share Your Personal Information

Try not to share too much of your personal information on Instagram. This will enable the hackers to know more about your location and financial situation. They could also use the information found on your profile and exploit you. It is always better to set your profile on ‘private’ mode so that it is not accessible to the public.

3. Enable Two-factor Verification Code

The two-factor verification gives extra protection when you try to log in from a new device. You will have to enter a confirmation code sent either to your phone number or to your email id. Only when you enter this verification code correctly will you be able to enter the app using the new device. This will protect your account from hackers who try to login to your account and steal personal information.

How to Enable Two-factor Authentication?

1. Go to Settings > Security

2. You will see two-factor authentication security.

3. Click on ‘Require security code’

Once this is activated, you will receive a text message every time someone logs in from a new device.

4. Don’t Open Suspicious Links

If you feel that the mail you have received has a suspicious link or attachment to it, do not open it. Just delete it and then report it to Instagram.

5. Don’t Give Access To Third-Party Apps

While using Instagram, make sure that you explore all the features that it offers.  Do not link it to any third-party app, as it jeopardizes the core authenticity of the application.

6. Don’t Use Bots

It has become a common practice among social influencers and celebrities alike to gain followers by using bots.  Bots are also used to increase the number of likes in a post and to increase counts. It is a highly risky method as it makes their Instagram account easily prone for hackers.

What Should You Do If You Get Phished?

Even though you were cautious, do you feel that you might have been hacked by responding to [email protected]? Do not worry you can rectify the damages caused by following these steps.

1. Change Your Password

In case you fear that your account has been hacked, the very first thing that you should do so that your hacker does not come back is to change your password. Make sure that you create a fool-proof, difficult-to-crack password. It should not have anything to do with the details found in your profile, like your spouse’s name or your birthday. Make sure that it is a combination of uppercase and lowercase alphabets, numbers, and special characters.

2. Report To Instagram

You must make sure to report to Instagram by the following steps:

1. Tap the ‘Menu’ button.

2. Click on “Report”

3. Follow the on-screen instructions and make the proper report.

3. Risk Of Other Accounts

You should also keep in mind that if you have used the same password for any other account, they are at risk of being hacked, too. So you should change the password for all other social platforms to minimize the risk of being phished.

Wrap Up

Social networking has become a part and parcel of our everyday lives. But as users, we should also be well aware of all the risks involved with it and make sure that we protect our personal information. You should always remember that the information we share on social media platforms is laid out for the world to see.

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