What are the red flags of this scam?

Your Instagram account is suddenly suspended for alleged copyright violations you did not commit • An unknown account messages you — often on Telegram — shortly after the suspension, claiming they filed the complaints and can withdraw them for a fee • The demand is for crypto, gift cards, or a cash transfer — legitimate copyright complainants do not offer to 'withdraw' for payment • The scammer pressures you by pointing out lost followers, brand deals, or income during the suspension • After payment the scammer files new complaints, escalating their demands • The scammer contacts you from an account you do not know or from a generic-looking Telegram username

What should I do if this happened to me?

Do not pay — paying confirms you are a viable target and often leads to repeat demands • File a counter-notification through Meta's own copyright dispute process at https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram/116024195217416 — the process is slow but it is the legitimate remedy • Report the extortion account to Instagram and to Telegram directly • Document everything: screenshot the scammer's messages and any suspension notices before they disappear • Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.

HIGH other Last reported: Sep 21, 2026 Share

Fake copyright strikes suspend your Instagram account while a scammer demands crypto to lift the ban

Q: Is this a scam?

Yes. This is a documented scam pattern. Scammers file false copyright complaints through Meta's automated system until your Instagram account is suspended, then contact you on Telegram demanding crypto or cash to withdraw the strike. Paying does not stop repeat attacks.

Scammers file false copyright complaints through Meta's automated system until your Instagram account is suspended, then contact you on Telegram demanding crypto or cash to withdraw the strike. Paying does not stop repeat attacks.

Also known as: Instagram copyright extortion, fake DMCA strike Instagram, Instagram account suspended ransom, fake copyright claim Instagram scam, Instagram creator blackmail

Already happened to you? Do this in the next few minutes

1 Call your bank or card's fraud line right now. Use the number on the back of your card — not any number from the message or caller. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and freeze the account.
2 If you paid by gift card, wire, or an app (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App): contact that company immediately and report it as fraud. Acting fast sometimes recovers the money.
3 Report to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The sooner, the better.

What to do right now

1 Do not pay — paying confirms you are a viable target and often leads to repeat demands
2 File a counter-notification through Meta's own copyright dispute process at https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram/116024195217416 — the process is slow but it is the legitimate remedy
3 Report the extortion account to Instagram and to Telegram directly
4 Document everything: screenshot the scammer's messages and any suspension notices before they disappear
5 Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.

Red flags

⚠ Your Instagram account is suddenly suspended for alleged copyright violations you did not commit
⚠ An unknown account messages you — often on Telegram — shortly after the suspension, claiming they filed the complaints and can withdraw them for a fee
⚠ The demand is for crypto, gift cards, or a cash transfer — legitimate copyright complainants do not offer to 'withdraw' for payment
⚠ The scammer pressures you by pointing out lost followers, brand deals, or income during the suspension
⚠ After payment the scammer files new complaints, escalating their demands
⚠ The scammer contacts you from an account you do not know or from a generic-looking Telegram username

Already happened to you? Do this in the next few minutes

What to do right now

Red flags

Sources