You're not the first one to do so and, unfortunately, you won't be the last. Many people get taken by these people and lose much more than access to an Instagram account. And it's sad that a lot of their victims are senior citizens that are unaware they are being robbed. Personally, I'd like to track down the jerks that do this and see how they like being beaten with their own laptop/keyboard.

Hi Iwona, like Carol said, it happens, you're not the first but please just be careful about clicking any links in any e-mails, always go to the account directly through google or another browser to check first rather than follow a link in an e-mail. Instagram have been pretty c**p at helping you haven't they?.

I'm astonished seeing how many people are not aware of such scams. The Internet bubbles and bursts out with information about data leaks, stealing accounts and so on every mnonth or so. I'm really surprised there are still people, who had not come across such thetfs. Not saying good it happened to you, but good that you shared and increased the awarness if only a little.

Ilona, saw you saying the phone and email is the scammer's. Do as I read here yesterday that someone created fake advertises too good to be true and listed a scumbag's number. Selling good stuff really cheap, donating furniture and even promising to deliver or cover delivery fees, sign him up for mailing lists, etc. and continue to pester Instagram daily and ask your followers to help you to report

@Adi Bran " I have no idea how Instagram works but can’t you reset the password using your e-mail address, by clicking forgot password? That way you can block him out". the e-mail connected to the account is the thief's e-mail and the same with the phone number

I have no idea how Instagram works but can’t you reset the password using your e-mail address, by clicking forgot password? That way you can block him out.

Girl, this sucks. I hope you got everything sorted out!

If you have all the pictures and other original work you might as well create a new account... And try to delete the old one, maybe?

I never respond to mail such as that. Instead, I would contact the company directly by forwarding the suspect message and asking if they indeed sent it.

Wanted to edit my original answer, but javascript spilled. So: I'm not a native speaker, far from that - happens that I am the same nationality as the Iwona ;) It's a matter of perception I suppose, since I saw those mistakes at the first glance. Like many said - if one cares about their social media account, never click on any email links, but log in to the account directly. If you are not sure about the email, forward it to the support asking whether it's a fake. I'm surprised how many people would still fall for that in the times where scams happen constantly on many levels. I think the limited trust should engage here.

Even two factor authentication can be tricked with a clever man in the middle attack. I use a password manager that prompts me with the password if it recognises the URL as genuine. If it doesn't prompt, the site is probably a scam.

I'm not a native speaker, happens that I am the same nationality as the Author ;)

I wasn't aware of the threat so I wasn't suspicious. Honestly never heard of stealing accounts. The most important thing is to be aware of things. I wish I heard a story like mine before it happened

The actual emails you get from platforms like FB, Insta and such when you "do something wrong" are supper vague as they don't want to give you any details to make sure you don't figure out how to trick their bots.