The Instatroid Instagram Scam – What You Need To Know
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you seen ads promoting a website called Instatroid that claims it can reveal hidden Instagram data like DMs, profile visits, and more? At first glance it looks enticing, but Instatroid is actually a devious scam.
In this detailed guide, I’ll explain how the Instatroid scam operates, expose the real intent behind it, and provide tips to avoid falling victim when you see offers that seem too good to be true.
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An Overview of the Instatroid Instagram Scam
Instatroid is a deceitful website that falsely promises social media users access to private Instagram data and analytics. Operating at Instatroid.com, it advertises irresistible (but fake) services like revealing deleted direct messages, seeing who views your profile, showing who screenshots your posts, and more.
At first glance, Instatroid appears to be a legitimate service granting insider access to Instagram insights that are normally hidden. The site is well-designed with a slick interface to build credibility.
But make no mistake – Instatroid is an elaborate Instagram scam. It cannot actually provide any of the advertised capabilities.
Instatroid employs deception and manipulation techniques to profit from unaware social media users looking to satisfy their curiosity about Instagram activity. By making users complete spam surveys and download shady files, the site generates affiliate revenue without delivering services promised.
Here are some examples of the types of services promoted by Instatroid to entice Instagram users and drive traffic:
Reveal DM History – Claims it can display deleted direct messages, unsent DMs, and full message histories with other users.
Reveal Interactions – Promises to show the top 10 people who interact most with a profile through likes, comments, and replies.
Reveal Screenshots – Says it will reveal the last 25 users who took screenshots of your posts, stories, reels, or DMs.
Reveal Profile Visits – Claims to uncover the last 25 accounts that visited and viewed your Instagram profile.
The promise of such insider insights understandably generates great interest among Instagram users. Who wouldn’t want to know who’s looking at their profile, sliding into DMs, or taking screenshots?
But Instatroid has no actual capability to display this information. The entire premise is phony.
By understanding the deceitful tactics used by Instatroid, Instagram users can avoid falling victim when they encounter this scam. Keep reading for an in-depth explanation of how Instatroid carries out its Instagram deception.
How the Instatroid Instagram Scam Actually Works
While Instatroid promotes irresistible Instagram data insight services, it won’t actually provide them. The scam unfolds in several deceitful phases:
1. Fake Service Offer Pages Lure Users In
Instatroid has dedicated pages for each service, like viewing DMs or finding profile visitors. These showcase the value and have a bright call-to-action button to “unlock” the data. Pages appear well-designed and convincing.
2. Users Are Redirected to a Human Verification Page
Upon clicking the button for a service, users are instead redirected to a “human verification” page. This claims it’s necessary to avoid bot abuse. In reality, it’s a gatekeeper scam technique.
3. Sketchy Actions Required for “Verification”
To get past human verification, Instatroid requires:
Downloading and installing browser extensions
Completing spam surveys with personal info
Subscribing to sketchy offers or services
Watching ads and videos
Often multiple repetitive steps are required.
4. No Instagram Data Is Ever Revealed
After jumping through hoops, users receive none of the promised Instagram activity insights or data. The cycle simply repeats with more verification requests.
5. Shady Downloads and Offers Generate Profits
The downloads, surveys, subscriptions, and other “verifications” submitted generate affiliate revenue for Instatroid scammers. User info also gets sold to shady advertisers.
6. Malware Risks from Manipulated Downloads
Potentially unwanted programs and malware often get bundled into the extensions and apps users download. These threats then compromise accounts, data, and privacy.
At no point does Instatroid provide any actual Instagram data access. The entire premise is an affiliate marketing scam profiting from deception.
Recognizing Red Flags of the Instatroid Scam
These common red flags can help expose Instatroid’s deceitful intentions:
Too-good-to-be-true offers – Instagram doesn’t allow this level of access to private data.
Sketchy downloads – Legit services don’t make users install unverified programs or extensions before getting info.
Repeating verification cycles – Real confirmation flows don’t endlessly recycle requirements with no payoff.
Aggressive marketing offers – Spam surveys and subscriptions should raise alarms about a shady operation.
No details on data access – Lack of explanations for how account data is obtained indicates a scam.
Redirects and pop-ups – Being bounced around different pages hints at a conversion funnel scam.
When these suspicious signs appear, stop engaging with the site immediately. The service promises will never materialize. Unfortunately, many realize this only after downloading malware or entering personal information.
Dangers of Providing Data to Instatroid
Aside from wasted time, users face significant risks by interacting with Instatroid:
Malware infections – Downloaded browser extensions and apps can infect devices. This allows spying, theft of info, and hijacking of accounts.
Account hijacking – Usernames and passwords registered on the site can be used to breach Instagram and other connected accounts.
Identity theft – Personal details collected get used to create fake accounts, make unauthorized purchases, file false tax returns, and commit fraud.
Junk mail and spam – Email inboxes get flooded with shady promotions, phishing scams, and spam.
Payment info theft – Completing dubious “verifications” risks credit card or payment details being stolen.
The more info given to Instatroid, the greater the potential damages from fraud or a malware catastrophe. Provide as little data as possible to untrusted sites.
What to Do If You Entered Information on Instatroid
If you already provided personal information or downloaded files from the Instatroid website, it is important to take swift action to protect yourself. Here are the steps you should take right away:
1. Change Any Passwords You Entered on Instatroid
If you used an existing password on Instatroid, change it immediately on every account that uses that password. Create a new, unique password to protect your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
2. Run Malware Scans on All Your Devices
Since Instatroid may have tricked you into downloading malware, it is critical to scan your computers, phones, and tablets for anything suspicious. Use security software like Malwarebytes to detect keyloggers, spyware, adware, or other threats. Delete anything flagged as a problem.
3. Monitor Accounts Closely for Unauthorized Access
Carefully check your Instagram account and any other connected social media or email accounts for suspicious posts, DMs, friend requests or other activities. Report anything suspicious to Instagram security teams.
4. Pre-Emptively Block Suspicious Contacts
Be proactive in blocking any new emails, phone numbers, usernames or physical mailing addresses that may have been associated with accounts set up using your stolen information. This prevents future contact.
5. File Fraud Alerts with Credit Bureaus
Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports in case the scammers try opening accounts or lines of credit in your name. This requires creditors to verify your identity before approving applications.
6. Change Instagram Username if Worried About Security
If you feel your Instagram account may be compromised, change your username to prevent the scammers from accessing it again. Use a completely new name.
7. Avoid Suspicious Links in Emails or Messages
Scammers may send phishing messages claiming your account is at risk. Never click embedded links – instead log in directly through the Instagram app or website URL.
Take threats seriously if you input information into Instatroid. Being proactive can help minimize damages from any potential identity theft or hacking.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Instatroid Instagram Scam
1. What is Instatroid?
Instatroid is a fraudulent website that falsely claims it can reveal private Instagram data like DMs, followers, profile visits, and more. It lures in users under false pretenses.
2. What types of Instagram data does Instatroid advertise?
Examples include revealing deleted DMs, seeing who views your profile, showing who screenshots posts, and exposing top profile interactions.
3. How does Instatroid profit if it doesn’t work?
The site profits by making users complete “human verification” offers and downloads that generate affiliate commissions, while providing zero services.
4. What happens when you enter info on Instatroid?
Users complete endless loops of requirements like surveys and sketchy app installs but never get any promised Instagram data.
5. What are the risks of using Instatroid?
Major risks include malware infections from downloads, identity theft from stolen info, Instagram account hijacking, and spam emails/texts from sold data.
6. What are red flags that Instatroid is a scam?
Red flags include unverified downloads, sketchy verification cycles, aggressive marketing offers, lack of details, and social media data promises that are too good to be true.
7. What should I do if I entered info on Instatroid?
Immediately change any passwords used, run malware scans, monitor accounts closely, place fraud alerts if needed, and block suspicious communications.
8. How can I spot and avoid Instagram scams?
Be wary of third-parties claiming Instagram data access. Look for red flags, use unique passwords, don’t install unverified apps, and enable Instagram security features.
9. Can Instatroid actually see my old DMs?
No, Instatroid cannot access private account information like deleted messages. This is technologically impossible from outside Instagram’s servers.
10. Should I report the Instatroid scam site?
Yes, you can and should report Instatroid to Instagram, cybersecurity groups, hosting providers, and consumer protection agencies to get it shut down.
Avoiding Instagram Scams Moving Forward
Here are some tips to avoid Instagram scams when you encounter questionable offers:
Use unique passwords everywhere, and never reuse credentials across sites.
Check URL spellings when clicking links to make sure they direct to legitimate sites.
Don’t install unnecessary extensions or apps. Only download from official sources like Chrome Web Store.
Watch for red flags like repetition, spam, pop-ups, and lack of details when offers seem sketchy.
Avoid online surveys promising Instagram insights – most harvest data for dubious purposes.
Use security features like login approvals on Instagram to protect your account.
Report scam attempts to Instagram so they can be blocked and taken down.
Stay vigilant around potential Instagram scams. If an offer looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Protect your accounts and data.
The Bottom Line on the Instatroid Scam
Instatroid employs manipulation and deception to profit off users hoping to access Instagram insights and private account data. But it never provides the promised services – the entire premise is fraudulent.
No third party site can reveal deleted DMs, followers, profile visits or other Instagram activity data. Avoid entering usernames or personal info on sites offering such services. They will only pose risks without any benefit.
With knowledge of scams like Instatroid, you can identify red flags and avoid being deceived. Don’t let promises of Instagram access trick you into compromising security. Stay safe online.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
