Fake vendors and scammers are everywhere. And unfortunately, more on the internet than anywhere else, Instagram included. It can be difficult to identify these scammers, especially if you don’t have experience on Instagram. So, we’ve compiled these tips. Combine them and use your discretion to avoid falling victim.
So, how do Instagram vendors work, and how can you spot shady sellers?
What Are Instagram Vendors?
Meta has not provided an official way to identify Instagram vendors. There’s no Instagram vendor stamp or any unique identifier. Essentially, an Instagram vendor is anyone on Instagram selling a product or a service.
However, there are some markers you can use to figure out if it’s an Instagram vendor:
Now, let’s go into detail on how to spot a shady Instagram vendor.
1. The Username Has Been Changed Multiple Times
A good way to know if a so-called Instagram vendor is up to something shady is if you notice that they have changed their username multiple times. It indicates many bad things, including that it might be a hacked or bought account, they may be avoiding allegations from a previous username, or they’re impersonating someone else.
Luckily, you cancheck how many times an Instagram account has changed its username. While on the target account’s profile, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, selectAbout this Account, and chooseFormer usernames.
Generally, an account that has changed its usernames three or more times could be a bad sign. It shows inconsistency, which is terrible for any business. However, you should always use your discretion and use this tip in conjunction with others.
2. They Don’t Have Any Original Pictures of the Product
As we established earlier, most Instagram vendors indicate they are sellers and businesses by filling their page with media content of their products. And you can tell which vendors are fake based on whether they can provide an original picture of the product. Since they are shipping the product, they must have taken an original photo at least once.
Ask for an original photo of the product you want to buy anduse Google Lens to reverse-image search. If you find the same photo on another website, you will most likely get scammed.
3. They Aren’t Attributed to a Verified Physical Address or Face
Most serious vendors have a physical address on their business page and/or an identifiable person who is the face of the business (if it’s a small business). Businesses do this because it gives them credibility—even as an online-only store.
When you see an address on the vendor’s profile, you should search for the location on Google Maps. Use Google Maps Street View to see if you see any signs of the shop or business you’re looking for.
If the area you see looks sketchy or abandoned, you should ring your alarm bells and call the scammers bluff.
4. The Vendors Always Avoid Live Video Calls
As a customer, there are some things you can demand. One such thing is a live video call, especially if you’re buying an expensive item, like a second-hand vehicle.
In lieu of proving their legitimacy, the Instagram vendor should be happy to go on a call with you to showcase their product and attribute a face to their business. Any reasonable seller will take the offer, even if only for a few minutes.
You can start a video call from an Instagram chat by tapping thevideo cameraicon in the top-right corner.
5. There Are Little to No Comments from Real Customers
Most vendors get public feedback and questions from buyers and customers. You can use that to check how legitimate a seller is.
Find a post in the customer’s profile and open the comments section. The more popular the seller is, the easier it’ll be to find posts with an inquisitive comment section. But even small upcoming businesses should have comments from customers on a few posts.
You should be especially alarmed if the account has many followers but little to no engagement. It suggests that most of the followers might be bots or that the account is a hacked account. There should be a reasonable ratio of followers to engagement.
6. The Product Price Is Invitingly Cheap
A golden rule of risk-taking is that if it’s too good to be true, it most likely is. Use that rule as your guiding compass while figuring out who is legit.
Let’s be honest: the chances you’ll randomly get a functional iPhone 14 Pro Max online for $250 is as good as winning the Powerball. Why risk it? If you do get a product, you might end up with something that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
In the same vein,watch out for giveaway contestson Instagram. Some of them are scams that could cost you money or your personal information.
7. Suspicious Number and Timing of Content Uploads
While perusing the seller’s Instagram profile, there are some things you should watch out for:
You can check the date a post was made by scrolling to the bottom and looking for the date.
Use These Instagram Vendor Verification Tips Together
By themselves, some of these things aren’t bad things. A seller, for instance, might decide to save money and choose not to get a physical store. That doesn’t mean they aren’t legit; you just have to verify their authenticity using other aforementioned methods.
But most of all, use your discretion. If something feels off, investigate it until you’re satisfied; if you’re still dissatisfied, don’t risk it.
