How Scams Work: Analyzing the Instagram “Feature” Offer Scam

 How Scams Work: Analyzing the Instagram “Feature” Offer Scam

Scams are everywhere in the digital world, exploiting human psychology to manipulate victims. One example is the Instagram message promising a feature in “NY Weekly.” It uses flattery and misinformation to hook victims.

The scam begins with a message claiming you’ve been “selected” for a prestigious feature. It appeals to your desire for recognition. The message instructs you to contact another account or email, moving the conversation away from Instagram’s protections.

In my case, they like the fact I was such a successful women. I am neither successful, nor a woman. Apparently this is done on purpose, they are looking for people who stupid enough to confuse these issues.

Once you engage, they take you through a process to make the offer appear legitimate. They might ask for details about your achievements, building a connection to gain trust. After this, they present a fee — called a “PR expense” or “processing fee” — that ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Victims often receive nothing in return. Sometimes, scammers might create a low-quality article on an obscure site, providing no real value. In many cases, they vanish once payment is made. Some even upsell additional fraudulent services to extract more money.

These scams succeed by preying on psychological triggers. Flattery lowers defenses, while mentioning a credible name like “NY Weekly” gives a false sense of legitimacy. Urgency tactics, like “message us now,” discourage victims from verifying details. Engaging with the scam creates a sense of commitment, making it harder for victims to back out.

Scams like this are part of a larger trend. According to the FTC, $8.8 billion was lost to fraud in 2022 — a 30% increase from 2021. Social media scams are particularly common, with nearly 40% of users encountering them in 2023, and about a third falling victim.

To avoid falling prey, verify the source, research the offer, and be wary of upfront payments. Awareness and skepticism are key defenses against evolving scams. Always trust your instincts if something feels off.

PS  I am bombed by these offers on a daily basis on Instagram, so I looked in how they worked and wrote the above with Cleos help. Hence the rather dry text.