Spam, bots, and fake accounts can show up in any social community. This guide explains how to recognize suspicious activity, protect your account, and report bad behavior quickly.
What counts as spam, bots, or fake accounts?
You may be dealing with spam or a fake account if someone:
- Sends repetitive promotional messages, links, or “too good to be true” offers
- Asks you to move the conversation off-app immediately (WhatsApp/Telegram/etc.)
- Requests money, gift cards, crypto, or “verification fees”
- Pressures you to act urgently or threatens consequences
- Pretends to be a brand, a coach, a celebrity, or “support”
- Uses stolen photos, vague bios, or copied posts to look real
Scammers often rely on urgency and unexpected contact to get you to click or share information.
Common warning signs
Profile red flags
- Very new account, little history, or unusually high follow/follower counts
- Generic username + random numbers
- Bio contains external links, “DM me for investment,” or heavy promotion
- Photos look like stock images or don’t match the content
Message red flags
- “Congrats—you won!” or “You’ve been selected…” out of nowhere
- Requests for personal info (phone number, address, ID photos)
- Requests for one-time codes or “temporary credentials” (these should never be shared)
- Links to “verification,” “bonus,” “refund,” or “account security” pages
Protect yourself in 60 seconds
- Don’t click unexpected links in messages or comments. If something might be legitimate, verify it using contact info you look up yourself (not the message).
- Never share passwords or verification codes, even with someone claiming to be “support.”
- Don’t send money or personal information to unexpected contacts.
- Keep conversations in-app until you trust the person.
- Block early, report immediately—it helps protect the community.
How to block a suspicious account
Use whichever option matches your app UI:
- Open the user’s profile
- Tap ••• (or More / Settings)
- Select Block (or Block User)
- Confirm
Blocking stops the account from interacting with you.
How to report spam, bots, or fake accounts
Recommended: report from the most direct location where you see the issue.
Report a profile
- Open the user’s profile
- Tap ••• Choose Report
- Select a reason (e.g., Spam, Impersonation, Scam, Harassment)
- Add details (optional but helpful), then submit
Report a message or comment
- Press and hold the message/comment (or open ••• on it)
- Choose Report
- Select the best reason and submit
Tip: If the account is impersonating someone (a brand/person), choose Impersonation—that typically routes reviews faster.
If you already clicked a link or shared information
Do these steps immediately:
- Stop replying and block the account.
- Change your password for any account you might have shared access to (email/app accounts).
- If you entered details on a suspicious site, treat it as compromised and secure that account right away.
- Report the account in-app with details of what happened.
- If you receive scam texts/emails outside the app, use your device’s spam/phishing reporting tools. Apple recommends learning and reporting phishing/social engineering attempts.
What happens after you report?
Reports help us identify patterns and take action (for example: removing content, restricting features, or disabling accounts). While outcomes can vary, reporting is the fastest way to reduce repeat abuse and improve automated detection.
Safety checklist for creators and community members
- Avoid posting personal contact info publicly (phone number, email, address)
- Be cautious with location details (especially real-time)
- Watch for “urgent” requests and pressure tactics
- When in doubt: block + report