Scam script · Social media DM

'Verify Your Badge' Instagram DM Scam Examples

DMs impersonating Instagram support claim your account qualifies for a verification badge and ask you to complete a form — capturing your username, password, and two-factor code to take over the account.

Last reviewed: 1 June 2026

Sanitized example messages

Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].

Hello! This is the [platform] verification team. Your account has been selected for a blue badge based on your follower count. Complete the form at [fake link] within 24 hours before the slot is given to another creator.

Congratulations — your profile has been flagged for Official Verification. To proceed, log in at [fake link] with your credentials and enter the code sent to your phone. This is confidential.

Hi, I work at [platform] partner support. We are rolling out badges this week and you qualify. I just need your username and the 6-digit code you just received. Do not share this with anyone else.

What the scammer wants

To steal your Instagram or social media account credentials and authentication codes so they can lock you out, extort you, or use the account to run further scams on your followers.

Red flags in the message

DM about a badge from an account that is not itself verified or official
Link to a login page that is not the platform's real domain
Request for a two-factor authentication code
Urgency — 'accept within 24 hours'
Instruction to keep the process confidential

A safe response

Real verification processes are managed entirely within the platform's official app under Settings. Never enter login credentials or share OTP codes via DM. Report the account as a phishing attempt.

What not to send

Your password
Two-factor authentication codes
Any personal identification documents

What to do if you already replied

If you shared your password, change it immediately from a different device
Revoke third-party app access via the platform's security settings
Report the compromise to the platform's official support channels

Evidence to preserve

Screenshot the full message or call details
Note the sender number, email, or profile
Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
Record dates and times

Sanitized example messages

Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].

Hello! This is the [platform] verification team. Your account has been selected for a blue badge based on your follower count. Complete the form at [fake link] within 24 hours before the slot is given to another creator.

Congratulations — your profile has been flagged for Official Verification. To proceed, log in at [fake link] with your credentials and enter the code sent to your phone. This is confidential.

Hi, I work at [platform] partner support. We are rolling out badges this week and you qualify. I just need your username and the 6-digit code you just received. Do not share this with anyone else.