Do not trust the "Instagram Copyright Infringement" phishing scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is the "Instagram Copyright Infringement" scam?
"Instagram Copyright Infringement" refers to a scam promoted on various untrusted websites. It operates as a phishing scam, claiming that content infringing copyright laws has been detected on users' accounts. In this way, it attempts to obtain Instagram log-in credentials (i.e., usernames and passwords).
Additionally, this scheme asks users to enter their email addresses. Therefore, the "Instagram Copyright Infringement" poses a threat not only to the accounts in question but also to those providing email services.
Typically, deceptive sites are accessed via mistyped URLs, or redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or installed Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).
The "Instagram Copyright Infringement" scam states that Instagram removes accounts, which violate the platform's copyright laws. It implies that content infringing these laws is present on users' accounts. Hence, they are asked to enter their Instagram usernames to appeal the infringement-related strike/ban.
By typing the username and clicking "Next", users are redirected to a different page. The text presented in it claims that copyright-violating material has indeed been found on users' accounts. Users are requested to fill out the following form to avoid having their accounts suspended.
The form asks to provide the Instagram account's password and email address. Note that all information provided by "Instagram Copyright Infringement" is false, and this scheme is in no way associated with Instagram.
This scam aims to acquire users' Instagram credentials and email addresses in order to steal the corresponding accounts.
By trusting the "Instagram Copyright Infringement" scam, users can have their Instagram accounts stolen. Furthermore, should the Instagram password match that of the entered email account, it can likewise be hijacked.
Email accounts are of particular interest to scammers, as they are commonly associated with other platforms and services. Therefore, through stolen emails, access/control may be gained over connected accounts.
To elaborate on how they can be used, scammers can use communication accounts (e.g., emails, social media, social networking, messengers, etc.) to ask contacts/friends/followers for loans under the guise of the genuine owner.
Alternatively, these platforms can be employed to proliferate malware. I.e., scammers can share infectious files and links to malicious websites. Finance-related accounts (e.g., banking, online money transferring, e-commerce, digital wallet, etc.) can be used to make fraudulent transactions and online purchases.
To summarize, the "Instagram Copyright Infringement" scam can lead to people losing their Instagram and email accounts, experiencing system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
If log-in credentials have already been provided to this scheme, you are strongly advised to change the passwords of potentially compromised accounts. Additionally, contact the official support of the endangered platforms/services.
Potentially unwanted applications are prime causes of rogue redirects to various web pages (e.g., those running the "Instagram Copyright Infringement" scam). These apps can have varied dangerous functionalities, and these functions can be in different combinations.
Adware-type PUAs operate by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. The delivered ads diminish the browsing experience, and they are also deemed to be dangerous. Once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to bogus/malicious sites, and some can stealthily download/install software.
Browser hijackers are other types of PUAs. This software operates by making modifications to browser settings and limiting/denying access to them in order to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers seldom can provide search results, and so they tend to redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines.
Furthermore, most PUAs have data tracking capabilities. Information of interest includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations, and personally identifiable details. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
Therefore, to protect device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.
| Name | Instagram Copyright Infringement pop-up |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Scam claims copyright law infringing content has been discovered on users' Instagram accounts. |
| Related Domains | copyrightinstagramform[.]ml |
| Detection Names (copyrightinstagramform[.]ml) | ESET (Phishing), Emsisoft (Phishing), Fortinet (Phishing), Kaspersky (Phishing), Netcraft (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (copyrightinstagramform[.]ml) | 172.67.171.254 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
"Doge Giveaway", "Fake flash player update", "TikTok Followers Hack", and "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" are some examples of other online scams. The web is rife with misleading and deceptive content. Schemes are designed to gain and abuse users' trust.
The goal is to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind the scams. Different techniques are used to profit from data theft, bogus payments, download/installation of untrusted and malicious software, etc.
Regardless of what the schemes claim, offer, promise, request, or demand, they should not be trusted. Due to the widespread nature of these scams, exercise caution when browsing.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and settings, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Some PUAs have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.
Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.
Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "Instagram Copyright Infringement" scam:
First page:
Copyright Infringement
As lnstagram, we remove accounts that violate our copyright laws. Continue by entering your username to learn about and appeal to copyright infringement related to your account.
-------------------------
Second page:
Your account violates our copyright. If you do not fill out this form, we will suspend your account. Our team will return as soon as possible. Please provide us with the correct information for "Copyright Notice". We always work for your security and protect your rights.
The appearance of "Instagram Copyright Infringement" pop-up scam (GIF):
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Quick menu:
- What is Instagram Copyright Infringement pop-up?
- How to identify a pop-up scam?
- How do pop-up scams work?
- How to remove fake pop-ups?
- How to prevent fake pop-ups?
- What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?
How to identify a pop-up scam?
Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.
While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.
Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:
- Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
- Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
- Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
- Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
- Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.
Example of a pop-up scam:
How do pop-up scams work?
Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.
Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.
How to remove fake pop-ups?
In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.
In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.
How to prevent fake pop-ups?
To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.
To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?
This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.
- If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
- If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
- If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
- Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.
Outstanding!
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