Got Scammed on Instagram? Here's A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Users in 2024

Introduction

Instagram is a bustling hub for all things trendy and unique, making it a prime spot for discovering new products and businesses. But amidst the allure of flashy ads and curated feeds, there lurks the risk of encountering dishonest sellers. If you've fallen victim to an Instagram scam, it's a disheartening experience that can leave you feeling vulnerable. The good news is, you're not powerless. There are actionable steps you can take to address the scam and protect yourself moving forward.

Immediate Actions to Take

If you suspect you've been scammed, acting quickly can mitigate the damage. Here are the immediate steps you should take:

• Cease All Communication: Stop engaging with the scammer immediately.
• Document Everything: Take screenshots of all interactions, including messages, profiles, and any transactions or receipts.

Reporting the Scam

1. Contact Your Bank or Payment Service

• Bank Transfer: Immediately contact your bank's customer service. Explain the situation and request a chargeback or reversal of the transaction. Provide all transaction details.
• GPay or UPI: Report the fraudulent transaction through the Google Pay app or UPI app. Follow their fraud reporting procedures.

2. Reporting the Scam to Instagram

Instagram provides tools to report fraudulent activities and protect its users. Here's how you can report a scam:

• Report the Account: Go to the scammer's profile, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Report". Choose the reason for your report, such as "It's a scam".
• Report Specific Messages or Posts: If the scam occurred through direct messages or specific posts, you can report those individually by clicking on the message or post and selecting the appropriate reporting option.

For faster action and notice by Instagram, consider bulk reporting involving friends and family to report the scammer's profile and posts.

3. Reporting to Consumer Helpline

Reporting scams to the Consumer Helpline is an effective way to seek redress. There are lots of success stories from consumers.

The Consumer Helpline is designed to provide advice, information, and guidance to consumers regarding their rights and how to address grievances related to goods and services. Here consumers can seek help by calling or using the online platform to get advice on resolving their issues. It does not involve formal legal proceedings. If the issue cannot be resolved through advice, the consumer may be directed to file a formal complaint through platforms like e-Daakhil.

1. Step 1: Visit the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) WebsiteOpen your web browser and go to consumerhelpline.gov.in
2. Step 2: Register an AccountClick on the "Sign Up" button which is next to "Register Online here".
   
3. Step 3: Log In to Your AccountOnce you've created the password log in to your account. This is how the portal looks like after you logged in. You have three options. Here you need to choose "Consumer Grievance"
   
4. Step 4: File a ComplaintTo proceed, choose 'Grievance Type' as 'Grievance'. Next, set the 'Grievance Classification' to either 'Goods' or 'Service', depending on your situation. Select your relevant state and city. In the 'Sector/Industry' field, choose 'E-Commerce'. For the 'Category', select 'Social Media Marketplace'. Finally, complete all the other required fields.
   
   Choost the nature of grievance & upload evidences
   
5. Step 5: Submit the Complaint
   

4. Reporting On e-daakhil

If the Resolution provided by consumer helpline is not satisfied or you want to proceed filing formal complaints with consumer courts. you can go with e-Daakhil. e-Daakhil is an online portal developed for consumers to file complaints against unfair trade practices, defects in products, or deficiencies in services directly to the consumer forums or consumer commissions.

Consumers can lodge complaints digitally without needing to physically visit consumer courts. Once a complaint is filed on e-Daakhil, it is reviewed by the relevant consumer forum. If the complaint is found to be valid, it proceeds through the legal process within the consumer court system. The resolution involves legal proceedings and, if necessary, adjudication by the consumer courts, which can issue orders for compensation, refunds, or other corrective measures.

5. File a Cybercrime Complaint

If you've been scammed on Instagram, reporting to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is a crucial step to take. This ensures that the incident is officially recorded and can be investigated by the authorities.

Why Report to Cybercrime Authorities?

• Fraudulent Activities: If the fake seller is involved in scamming users, taking money without delivering goods, or delivering counterfeit or substandard products, these actions are fraudulent and illegal.
• Prevention and Awareness: Reporting such incidents helps authorities track and take action against cybercriminals, potentially preventing others from falling victim to similar scams.
• Legal Recourse: Cybercrime authorities have the tools and jurisdiction to investigate online fraud, gather evidence, and prosecute offenders.

Here's how to report cybercrime step-by-step:

1. Step 1: Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
   • Open your web browser and go to cybercrime.gov.in.
2. Step 2: Register an Account
   • Click on the "Report Other Cyber Crimes" button and register with your email-id and mobile number.
     
3. Step 3: Log In to Your Account
   • After registration, log in using your username and password. Once logged in, you will be asked to enter your details.
     
4. Step 4: File a Complaint
   • Choose Report Cyber Crime button on the top and select the type of complaint.
     
5. Step 5: Provide Detailed Information
   • Fill in the details of the incident.
   • Name and contact details of the complainant.
   • Description of the scam.
   • Date and time of the incident.
   • Amount lost.
   • Any communication with the scammer (attach screenshots if possible).
     
6. Step 6: Add Suspect Details
   
7. Step 7: Add Complainant Details
   • Add your details like name, mobile number, email id, address.
     
8. Step 8: Submit the Complaint
9. Step 9: Follow Up on Your Complaint
   • Use the acknowledgment number to log in and check the status of your complaint periodically.
   • Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the cybercrime officials.

4. Warn Others

• Social Media: Share your experience on social media and forums to warn others about the fraudulent seller.
• Review Platforms: Use platforms like Hopinio to leave a review about your experience with the seller to alert potential buyers.

5. Why Multiple Reports Are Necessary

• Different Jurisdictions: Each platform (bank, cybercrime, consumer helpline) has different jurisdictions and processes. Reporting to multiple authorities ensures that your case is covered from all angles.
• Increased Chances of Resolution: Multiple reports increase the likelihood of action being taken against the scammer and the recovery of your funds.
• Awareness and Prevention: Reporting helps authorities track scam patterns and can prevent future scams.

6. Summary

If you get scammed by an Instagram seller, acting quickly and reporting to the appropriate authorities is crucial. This multi-step approach not only aids in potentially recovering your money but also helps in taking down fraudulent sellers and protecting other consumers. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are taking comprehensive action against the scammer.