Instagram Scams

The Instagram Brand Ambassador Scam That Almost Got Me

Social media makes it easy to discover new brands, but it also opens the door to digital scams. One scam I personally encountered was an Instagram “Brand Ambassador” offer that looked like a dream opportunity—but was actually a trap.

A jewelry company messaged me saying I had the perfect look for their brand and could earn discounts and commissions. The catch? I had to buy a starter package to get my discount code. Their website looked real, but when I checked more closely, nothing added up—no customer reviews, no way to contact support, and no online presence outside Instagram. After researching, I found out countless people purchased items and never received anything. The company would disappear and then return under a new name, repeating the scam.

How I Could Have Spotted the Scam

Next time, here’s what I’ll do—and what anyone should do:

• Search the company online to see if they exist beyond Instagram.

• Check for secure website indicators (a padlock and HTTPS).

• Look for customer reviews—not edited screenshots.

• Be cautious of pressure tactics like “24 hours left!” or “limited spots!”

If I had followed these steps earlier, I would’ve realized the offer wasn’t real.

Final Takeaway

Scammers use digital media to exploit excitement, ambition, and trust. By slowing down and verifying information before clicking or paying, we can protect our data, our money, and ourselves.