This fake Instagram discount message is fooling people. Here’s how I spotted it.
I received an Instagram DM this morning that nearly caught me off guard, and I want to share what I found before anyone else falls for it.
The message came from a profile named John Doe with only 12 followers and 5 posts. The message said “Congratulations 🎉 Here is a 8% OFF Coupon for you, valid for next 24hrs. Checkout now: https://tinyurl/4mu3fdc”
The profile had a View profile button and showed a man’s photo. It looked like a normal Instagram account offering me a discount code sone-561 for following them.
“Official website offer for new year:“
This Message Is Full of Errors
The profile has only 12 followers and 5 posts. Real brands running “Follow for Discount” campaigns have thousands of followers and regular content. This account looks freshly created for scamming.
The link uses tinyurl which is a URL shortener. Legitimate businesses send direct links to their official websites, not suspicious shortened URLs that hide the real destination.
The discount is only 8% OFF which seems unusually low for a promotional campaign. Most real discount offers are 10%, 15%, or higher to attract customers.
The message creates urgency by saying “valid for next 24hrs”. Scammers use time pressure to make you click without thinking.
I Investigated the Profile
I searched for John Doe Instagram account to verify if this was a real business. I found no verified business page. No authentic product listings. No official website linked. No customer reviews.
I also searched for sone-561 coupon code. There was no trace of it on any legitimate retailer website.
This Code is a scam here I apply, but not a use.
Red Flags in This sone-561 Scam Message
| Warning Sign | What I Found |
|---|---|
| Spelling Error | “Cheekout” instead of Checkout |
| Low Followers | Only 12 followers and 5 posts |
| Shortened URL | Suspicious tinyurl/4mu3fdc link |
| Generic Name | John Doe fake profile name |
| Urgency Tactic | “valid for next 24hrs” pressure |
| Low Discount | Only 8% OFF unusual amount |
| No Verification | No blue checkmark or business badge |
| No Website | No official store link in profile |
How to Protect Yourself
Do not click the tinyurl link in this message. Do not visit any shortened URLs from unknown accounts. Do not use the sone-561 code anywhere. Do not enter any personal or payment details.
If you receive this Instagram DM, delete it immediately. Block the account. Report as spam. Warn your family and friends about this sone-561 scam.
“I spotted the warning signs. I hope you do too.”
