A deceptive profile on the Instagram platform designed to mimic legitimate accounts, disseminate unsolicited content, or engage in fraudulent activities. These accounts commonly employ tactics such as automated messaging, posting repetitive or irrelevant content, and attempting to solicit personal information from users. For example, an account might impersonate a popular brand to trick users into clicking malicious links or providing credit card details.
The proliferation of these accounts poses a significant threat to the integrity of the Instagram ecosystem. They erode user trust, contribute to the spread of misinformation, and can facilitate various forms of online scams. Historically, their emergence is linked to the growth of automated bot networks and the increasing value placed on social media influence. Addressing this issue is vital to maintain a positive and secure user experience.