Scammers Demand Ransoms From Instagram Users Over Fake Copyright Claims

Instagram creators say they have lost thousands of pounds after their accounts were suspended or taken down because of bogus copyright complaints, according to BBC. The BBC reported that extorters file fake claims against Meta-owned Instagram and then demand ransoms to withdraw them, knowing repeated strikes can trigger account bans. One creator with 1.5 million followers said he paid a scammer $50 to recover his account after Meta’s appeal process was expected to take weeks, while another said he lost brand contracts and monetisation after repeated complaints. Meta said it had restored affected content and added extra protections after the BBC raised examples with the company.