Scammers telling victims that they have won something for free online is definitely nothing new, however over the past couple of days, it seems like the problem has only gotten worse, especially for some Instagram users who are being bombarded with constant tags, messages and comments claiming that they have won a free iPhone 13.
Users have been taking to Twitter in their hundreds to share how they are repeatedly being tagged in posts claiming they are winners of a free iPhone 13, asking them to follow a spam account and to click the link in the spam account’s bio where the scam will unfold.
The posts usually feature somebody holding an iPhone 13 box in one hand and a fake Apple Store receipt in the other, usually with a photoshopped Apple Store background to make the scam seem more convincing.
Users (including myself) have received multiple tags over the past several hours all claiming to be notifications from a prize draw.
A quick search on Twitter reveals that hundreds of other Instagram users are all seeing the same thing. One wrote, “If I get tagged in one more spam account’s iPhone giveaway on Instagram I’m going to lose it.” Another said, “I’m getting sick of Instagram telling me I’ve won an iPhone 13 all week.”
Instagram seems to be doing a good job at deleting these spam tags, messages and comments, but only after users report them through the app’s built-in safeguarding tools.
As always, if something online looks too good to be true, it likely is. Apple does not participate in online giveaways and you should never share private details with anyone asking you to claim a prize you know nothing about.