When an Instagram Order Turned into a Scam Nightmare
It all kicked off when Faisal Mohamed, a 45‑year‑old baker, got a curious request from a customer on September 10. The buyer wanted Faisal to prove he was legit before paying — he’d been unlucky before with other home‑based sellers on Instagram.
Too Quick to Trust
- Faisal took the customer’s words at face value and quickly sent over a screenshot of an Instagram message that would come from a Nigerian user.
- In the moment, he didn’t pause to read the embedded link or consider whether the snippet was a legitimate verification step.
- “I was so busy chatting online with a few customers at the same time,” he admits. “If only I had thought before I pressed ‘send,’ this is my biggest regret.”
The Great Unlocking
Shortly after, an email popped up from Instagram saying a user in Nigeria had changed his login details. The fate of the account was sealed: the screenshot contained a “reset password” link that the scammer exploited to hijack the account. Now, Faisal found himself locked out of his own business.
Scammers Go Public
While Faisal was hive‑mind‑hopping with orders, the scammer used his compromised handle to advertise gold‑mine investment schemes and contests. In a now‑deleted Instagram post, the fraudster boasted about making $10,000 from a $500 investment, all thanks to the advice of an “investment guru.”
Friends Flee
“My followers were a lifeline for my home‑based business. When I saw the bogus posts, a lot of them unfollowed me.” Faisal says the trust once built flew out the window. He’s hit a wall with orders and can’t afford to buy or bake for a few customers without breaking the bank.
Trouble Reclaiming
Faisal’s attempts to get his account back included:
- Sending Instagram a photo of himself holding his NRIC.
- Submitting a video selfie for verification.
So far, his own identity hasn’t convinced Instagram officials, leaving him hampered in a digital doorway with no key.
Two Lessons Wrapped in a Baked Good
Faisal’s story reminds us that:
- Illicit folks love a quick way to pull a fast one.
- Always double‑check a link before you surrender your digital access.
- Our social media breeds both opportunity and peril—protection is key.
For home‑based chefs and entrepreneurs alike, Faisal’s plight is a cautionary tale—but it also encourages a resilient hustle. If Faisal can get his account back, his bakery’s aroma may soon return to the cool Singapore air, reminding us that even when your internet sleeve is compromised, your passion can still rise like fresh batter in a kitchen.
Instagram Account Hijacked: How Losing an Account Can Turn Followers Into Silly Ghosts
Mr Faisel is in a real “lost‑in‑the‑cloud” situation. He’s telling anyone who’ll listen, “I’m at my wits’ end. Even if I create a new account, how do I get my followers back? The Instagram algorithm has changed, and it’s now a real scavenger hunt.”
Police Are on the Case
- The police confirmed a report is lodged and are currently investigating the breach.
- They’re hoping to retrieve Mr Faisel’s account before it’s permanently lost.
Scammers Target Big Followings
Professor Lawrence Loh of NUS Business School says people with sizeable followings—especially home‑based businesses—become easy prey for scammers. He points to Thai influencer Nutty (Natthamon Khongchak) who allegedly swindled thousands with a two‑billion‑baht check‑the‑deposit scheme. Thai police issued an arrest warrant in August, but the influencer’s whereabouts remain a mystery.
Why Home‑Based Businesses Are a Soft Target
- Accounts with huge followings appear legitimate to fans, making them easy “targets.”
- Home‑based businesses usually run under $1 million revenue and barely have the resources to fight back if they lose their accounts.
- Singapore’s Dept. of Statistics reported 224,400 micro‑enterprises in 2020—just a reminder that small firms can be seriously vulnerable.
Meta’s Response
Meta, Instagram’s parent, says it’s working hard to protect users from hackers and scams. The company is aware of Mr Faisel’s situation and is actively attempting to recover his account.
Mr Faisel’s Daily Routine
He’s now checking his email every 15 minutes, hoping for the green light that his account is restored. His frustration is clear: “I gave away the reset‑link. Instagram might not see it’s a different person—and that makes it hard to spot the problem.”
Let’s hope the tech team cracks this puzzle soon so Mr Faisel can regroup with his loyal followers—and maybe earn a few “likes” on his triumphant comeback.
