My profile was hacked, now what? Everything you need to know about online scams
- Caterina Cirillo
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Online scams are a real and growing threat, indiscriminately affecting private citizens, businesses, and even public institutions.
The most recent data confirm the extent of the problem: in 2024 online scams caused economic losses of 181 million euros in Italy, registering a 32 percent increase over the previous year. Adding to this already alarming figure is the 48 million euros from cyber fraud, which includes attacks through malware, phishing, and account breaches.
The rise in scams is closely linked to the increasing digitization of daily habits, which makes users exposed and sometimes unprepared to recognize the warning signs. In 2023 alone, the Postal Police reported more than 3,500 complaints of digital scam-related crimes, a number that highlights how ingrained cybercrime has become in the fabric of our digital lives.
Truffe online e Instagram: un binomio quasi perfetto
With more than two billion monthly active users worldwide, Instagram - the most widely used social network in Italy after WhatsApp-becomes an extremely attractive digital environment for scammers.
Its planetary success and daily use by millions of people make it a prime channel for the spread of fraudulent schemes, supported in part by the high level of trust that users tend to place in posted content.
In addition, anonymity and the ease with which it is possible to create fake profiles or impersonate other users allow fraudsters to act undisturbed, blending in among influencers, brands or ordinary users.
Direct communication through private messages, endorsements, and viral content thus become powerful tools in the hands of skilled miscreants.
How to protect yourself from online scams?
With the understanding that no system is foolproof, to protect yourself from online scams-or to make hackers' jobs more complex-it can be helpful to adopt some daily best practices to keep your accounts and personal information safe.
One of the first lines of defense is not to blindly trust anyone who contacts us, especially if they are unverified or unknown profiles. Scammers often use names similar to those of famous brands, stolen logos and credible profile photos to trick users. It is a good idea to check the account from which the message came, verifying its authenticity (blue tick, number of followers, type of content posted) and, if in doubt, do not interact.
Second, although it may seem trivial, do not provide personal or financial information: data such as credit card numbers, passwords, addresses or access codes should never be shared with unknown users or on unofficial platforms.
Number three: no clicking on suspicious links!
Links received through unsolicited direct messages or emails are one of the main channels for phishing attacks. Even if the message appears to be from Instagram or a friend, it is important to check the link before clicking: sometimes one click can lead to malicious sites that can steal data or infect your device with malware.
Finally, change passwords regularly and use two-factor authentication (2FA).
Enabling two-step verification, in fact, is one of the most effective strategies for protecting an account. Even if someone manages to obtain the password, they will not be able to log in without the second verification code sent to the registered device. This simple additional security measure is available on almost every platform, including Instagram, Google, and major banking apps.
How do you enable two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on Instagram is very simple.
Go to your Instagram account page
click on your image and then on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner
select the “Password and Security” tab
scroll down to the “Two-Factor Authentication” section, where you will find the available options
choose the method you prefer and click “Configure” to enable two-step verification (2FA) and increase the security of your profile.
Profile hacked? Here's what to do if you've been the victim of a scam
If your Instagram profile has been compromised, it is critical to act promptly to attempt recovery and protect your personal information. Here is a detailed guide on what to do:
1. Check Instagram's security emails.
If you have received an email from Instagram notifying you of a change in your password or the email address associated with your account, and you have not made this change yourself, you can cancel it by following the link provided in the email. Instagram sends these notifications to enable you to quickly restore control of your account in the event of unauthorized access.
2. Retrieve the account via the Instagram app.
If you are unable to access your account, open the Instagram app and select “Need help?” on the login screen. Follow the instructions provided to start the account recovery process. You may be asked to provide additional information to verify your identity.
3. Contact the Instagram Help Center
If the automated procedures do not result in account recovery, visit the Instagram Help Center, where you will find additional options and forms to report the hack and request direct assistance.
The Web offers us endless possibilities, but alongside these opportunities lurk increasingly sophisticated traps capable of affecting anyone, even those who think they are safe.
Only information and education to recognize the warning signs are the first defenses against the pitfalls of the digital world. Remember:
the first watchword is awareness.
Written by Caterina Cirillo
Alias Group
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