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Strange email

(15 Posts)
ExD Sun 27-Jun-21 15:08:48

I've been getting this email from Instagram for some weeks now - is it a scam?

It starts by saying they've had an attempted login by me from a source I don't usually use. Then it goes on to say

M2004J19C · Instagram · Saint Petersburg, Russia
June 26 at 11:35 AM (PDT)
If this was you, you can safely disregard this email. If this wasn't you, you can secure your account here.
Learn more about keeping your account secure

Then it wants me to contact a link.
I usually ignore it and bin it.
As far as I know I'm not on Instagram but my grandkids might have added me like they added me to Facebook.

Liz46 Sun 27-Jun-21 15:17:39

Looks like a scam to me.

timetogo2016 Sun 27-Jun-21 15:25:01

Me too Liz46 ,please be carefull ExD

ExD Sun 27-Jun-21 15:33:25

Gosh they're persistent!
You'd think they'd give up after 2 weeks of no responses, I'd better put them in 'spam'.

Jaxjacky Sun 27-Jun-21 15:38:06

Bin and block the sending ID.

M0nica Sun 27-Jun-21 15:49:44

Scam

Mapleleaf Sun 27-Jun-21 15:53:10

Sounds like a scam to me. When they want you to click on links, etc, it sounds alarm bells to me. Go with your instinct on this one.

Spidergran3 Sun 27-Jun-21 21:33:12

www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing

Here you go. If we all did this it might eventually go away.

NfkDumpling Sun 27-Jun-21 21:49:58

I tried to report a phishing letter my DH received, allegedly from PayPal, on the actionfraud site but it doesn't have the facility to report letters! This was a very plausible letter, return address stamped on the back of the envelope and everything. And a number to ring if you thought it was a scam!! So it looks like scammers and phishers are resorting to the postal service now, so beware!!

M0nica Mon 28-Jun-21 07:47:25

Assume everything is a scam until proved otherwise.

Delete unread all emails from banks, building societies, inland revenue, social media etc etc you do not use.

When calls come through from numbers you do not recognise. Say nothing for about 5 seconds, you may hear the scam tape the other end click off then put the receiver down. If someone is there they will speak and you can then work out whether they are friend or foe

Treat email from banks etc you do use, with caution even if they have your name on. Personal emails, delete unread any from people you have never heard of or friends/contacts in the past.

Harris27 Mon 28-Jun-21 07:52:30

Definitely scam

Namsnanny Mon 28-Jun-21 11:17:41

It feels like we're all under attack sometimes!

Chocolateyclaire Mon 28-Jun-21 12:37:23

There is a useful website where you can enter your email address. If you have more than one, make sure to check them all on the website
It will come up with all the websites where your security has been compromised and if Instagram is on there, you’ll know your email address has been used to set up an account.

haveibeenpwned.com/

Chocolateyclaire Mon 28-Jun-21 12:40:23

You could also go to Instagram, click on ‘forgotten password’ enter your email address and if it sends you a reminder or a link to re set your password, you’ll know there is an account. You could then delete it or change the password if you want to keep the account. I have had genuine warnings by email before but I never click the link just in case

ElaineI Mon 28-Jun-21 22:38:02

It's a scam. You would know if you were signed up to instagram. If you don't understand social media then delete accounts. For things like Facebook you need to check your privacy settings at least every 2 months. I have an iPhone, MacBook and an iMac. Facebook alerts me if I use my iMac as I hardly go on it so I know it is me and ignore the emails. If you only use 1 device then you know it is you. Check with your grandchildren.