Avoid Followers Plus App Scam: Simple Tips To Stay Safe 

It’s tempting to grab a quick app like Followers Plus to see who unfollowed you on Instagram — but a lot of those “trackers” come with a catch. The moment they ask for your login, you’re stepping into dangerous territory. Handing over your password breaks Instagram’s rules and can lead to hacks, shadowbans, or losing your account entirely.

The worst part? Many of these apps look polished, with glowing reviews and high ratings. But behind the curtain, they’re scraping your data in risky ways that put your profile on the chopping block. That’s how so many people end up locked out or banned after trusting the wrong tool.

If you want real answers without the drama, FollowBuddy is the only safe way to track Instagram unfollowers. It never asks for your login and instead uses Instagram’s own “Download Your Data” feature. That means you get peace of mind, accurate results, and your account stays secure. When it comes to your Instagram, safety isn’t optional — and FollowBuddy keeps it simple.

Understanding the Followers Plus App Scam

Scam Instagram tracker apps can look safe but put your account at risk fast. They use fake reviews, shady permissions, and confusing terms to trick you into giving up your login. Once you do, you basically lose control of your account’s security and privacy.

What Is the Followers Plus App Scam

The Followers Plus app scam is when a tracking app pretends to help you see who unfollowed you, but really, it’s just breaking Instagram’s rules. These apps usually demand your Instagram username and password before you can use anything.

The second you log in, the app hooks right into your account and starts pulling data in ways Instagram forbids. This “scraping” can get your account flagged, temporarily banned, or even shut down for good.

A lot of these apps have high ratings because they pay for fake reviews or used to work before Instagram cracked down. Most people see the stars and download without checking the real user complaints.

Common Scam Tactics Used

Scam apps tend to recycle the same tricks. Here’s what to watch for:

They also try to rank high in app store searches for things like “find unfollowers Instagram,” hoping you’re in a rush and won’t dig deeper.

A safe IG tracker, like FollowBuddy, doesn’t ask for your Instagram login and only uses approved ways to get your data.

How Scammers Target Users

Scammers know people want quick answers about their followers. They use urgency and curiosity to get you to download their app before you think it through.

They target search terms like “who unfollowed me” or “track Instagram unfollowers.” Once you click, you’ll see slick app pages, high ratings, and big promises.

Some even dangle a free trial, but you have to log in first. That’s all they need—your credentials, right away. Even if you delete the app later, they might sell your data or use your account for spam.

By the time you notice weird posts, fewer followers, or a locked account, it’s usually too late. That’s why starting with a privacy-first Instagram tool is just smarter.

Recognizing Red Flags

Scammy Instagram follower apps are sneaky. They might lure you in with wild offers, ask for details they shouldn’t, or want access to parts of your phone that have nothing to do with follower tracking.

Fake Promises of Free Followers

If an app claims it can give you hundreds or thousands of free followers instantly, that’s a huge red flag. Instagram doesn’t allow automated follower growth like this, and using these tools can get your account flagged or banned.

Usually, these apps just add fake or bot accounts to your profile. Sure, your follower count might jump for a bit, but the quality is awful—and most of those accounts vanish when Instagram cleans house.

Some apps only promise free followers to get you to download. After that, they’ll push you to buy “premium” packages or force you to watch a bunch of ads. In the end, you don’t get real, engaged followers—just wasted time and maybe a compromised account.

Quick check:

• Does the app promise instant followers? 🚩

• Does it say “guaranteed” or “unlimited”? 🚩

• Does it avoid explaining how it works? 🚩

Requests for Personal Information

Legit Instagram tools never need your full Instagram login to track unfollowers. If an app asks for your username and password, that’s a red flag. Giving out your login can let them control your account, post without permission, or even lock you out.

Some shady apps even ask for your email password or phone number verification. That’s not normal for follower tracking. They might use this info to spam you, sell your data, or link your account to other risky stuff.

Always check the sign-up process. A safe Instagram unfollower tracker, like FollowBuddy, uses Instagram’s approved methods and doesn’t store your password. If an app wants more than basic info, skip it.

Signs of trouble:

• Full Instagram login required

• Asking for unrelated accounts or passwords

• No clear privacy policy

Unusual App Permissions

When you install an app, it might ask for permission to access parts of your device. A safe follower tracker should only need basic permissions—like internet access to load data.

If an app wants your contacts, camera, microphone, or location for no good reason, that’s a problem. Those permissions let it grab personal data that has nothing to do with follower tracking.

Some scam apps even run in the background, using your device to mess with other accounts. That can slow your phone, drain your battery, or get your Instagram flagged for weird behavior.

Before you accept permissions, read them. If anything feels off, delete the app and look for something safer. FollowBuddy, for example, works without invasive permissions—protecting your account and your privacy.

Protecting Your Social Media Accounts

Your Instagram account holds personal info, private messages, and your online identity. Scammers look for weak security habits to steal access or misuse your data. Just a few simple steps now can save you from losing your account later.

Setting Strong Passwords

A strong password is your best defense. Don’t use your name, birthday, or obvious words. Hackers use tools that guess passwords based on what’s public about you.

Go for at least 12 characters with a mix of:

• Uppercase letters

• Lowercase letters

• Numbers

• Symbols

Something like Tree!Sky92Leaf&Sun beats password123 every time.

Don’t reuse passwords across accounts. If one site leaks, hackers will try your password everywhere.

Try a password manager to store and create secure passwords. That way, you remember just one master password, and the app does the rest.

Change your password every few months, especially if you’ve logged in on someone else’s device.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds a step after your password. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without a code sent to your phone or app.

On Instagram, turn on 2FA in Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication. You can use:

• Text message codes

• Authentication app codes (these are safer)

An app like Google Authenticator or Authy generates codes that change every 30 seconds. That makes breaking in way harder.

Keep backup codes somewhere safe. If you lose your phone, you’ll need those.

Never share your 2FA code. Scammers sometimes pretend to be Instagram support to trick you into giving it up.

Regularly Reviewing Connected Apps

Every app you connect to Instagram gets some access to your data. Scam apps—like the “followers plus” kind—often want full login access, which breaks Instagram’s rules and can get you banned.

Check your connected apps in Instagram Settings → Security → Apps and Websites. Remove anything you don’t recognize or use.

If an app asks for your Instagram password to “track unfollowers,” that’s a red flag. Safe tools, like FollowBuddy, never ask for your login and only use Instagram-approved methods.

Look over this list at least once a month. The fewer third-party apps linked to your account, the less chance you’ll get hacked or have your data misused.

What to Do If You’ve Downloaded a Scam App

If you’ve installed a sketchy Instagram tracker, move fast to protect your account and info. Removing the app, locking down your login, and reporting the scam can limit the damage and help stop future problems.

Steps to Remove the App

First, delete the app from your phone. On iPhone, press and hold the app icon, then tap Remove App. On Android, press and hold, then tap Uninstall.

Next, revoke the app’s access to your Instagram:

1. Open Instagram.

2. Go to Settings → Security → Apps and Websites.

3. Remove any suspicious apps you don’t recognize.

If the app wanted extra permissions, check your phone’s settings and remove those too—like background activity or location access.

Finally, run a security scan with your phone’s built-in security tool. It’s a quick way to catch leftover files or sneaky code. Don’t skip it.

Changing Your Account Credentials

If you logged into Instagram through the scam app, change your password right away. Pick something strong—at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols.

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra protection. Even if someone has your password, they can’t get in without your code.

Update your email password too—if someone gets into your email, they can reset your Instagram password.

If you spot weird activity, like posts or messages you didn’t make, log out of all devices from Instagram’s Security settings. Log back in only on devices you trust.

When you’re ready to track unfollowers again, use a safe option like FollowBuddy, which never asks for your login and follows Instagram’s rules.

Reporting the Scam to Authorities

Let Instagram know by going to Settings → Help → Report a Problem. Share the app’s name and screenshots if you have them.

You can also report it to your country’s consumer protection agency. In the U.S., that’s the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). Elsewhere, check your government’s consumer safety site.

If you paid for the app, call your bank or card provider. Ask about reversing the charge and keeping an eye out for anything sketchy.

Reporting the scam helps warn others and ups the chances of the app getting pulled from stores. You’ll help keep more people safe—especially those who might not spot the warning signs in time.

Preventing Future Scams

Scammy Instagram tracker apps can look totally legit at first. You’ll see high ratings, slick designs, and thousands of reviews. But a lot of them hide risky tricks that can get your account banned or your data stolen. Taking a little extra time before you download can save you a world of trouble.

Verifying App Authenticity

Before you grab any Instagram unfollower tracker, see if it actually follows Instagram’s official rules. If an app wants your Instagram username and password, that’s a huge warning sign. They also shouldn’t connect to the API. Safe tools like FollowBuddy let you hold the reins and be in control of your data.

Some ways to spot a legit app:

• No Instagram password required

• A privacy policy you can actually read before you sign up

• Contact info for real support (not just a form that goes nowhere)

• Proof it’s on official app stores, not just some weird third-party site

Try searching the app’s name plus “scam” or “ban” to see what pops up. If you can’t find solid proof it’s safe, don’t risk it. FollowBuddy is one of those rare tools that tracks unfollowers without needing your login—so you stay on Instagram’s good side.

Reading User Reviews Carefully

Star ratings? They can fool you. Some sketchy apps buy fake glowing reviews to drown out the real ones. Don’t just look at the overall score—dig into the latest reviews.

What should you notice?

1. Repeating complaints like “account got banned” or “app stopped working.”

2. A mix of one-star reviews and oddly generic five-star ones.

3. Mentions of login requests—especially if people say they had to give up their password.

On mobile, you might have to hit “see all” to get the full review list. Scroll through; it’s worth the couple minutes if it saves your account.

If reviews sound way too perfect or vague, trust your instincts—real people usually share specifics, good or bad.

Educating Friends and Family

Even if you steer clear of scam apps, someone you know might not. If they connect a risky tracker to their Instagram, it could still mess with your privacy—especially if you chat, share photos, or have group DMs together.

A few ways to help:

• Explain why login-based trackers are risky

• Show them how to check reviews and permissions

• Share safer options that don’t need passwords

Use simple examples—like how hitting “allow” on a sketchy app is basically handing your house keys to a stranger. When people know what to watch for, they’re less likely to fall for those “instant follower growth” traps.

Would a quick visual checklist help? I could make one for folks to use before downloading any Instagram tracker—it might make this even easier to follow.

Resources for Scam Victims

Already used a sketchy “followers plus” app? Don’t stress. You can still protect your Instagram and your info.

Here’s what you should do right now:

• Change your Instagram password ASAP.

• Turn on two-factor authentication to stop unwanted logins.

• Remove app access in your Instagram settings.

Find the app list under:
Settings → Security → Apps and Websites → Remove anything you don’t trust.

If your account’s locked or banned, head to Instagram’s official Help Center and follow their recovery steps. You might need to verify your identity.

Useful links:

If you still want to track unfollowers but avoid scams, go for a privacy-first Instagram unfollower tracker that never asks for your password. FollowBuddy is one that works without risky logins and sticks to Instagram’s rules.

For ongoing safety, try to:

• Check your connected apps regularly.

• Skip tools that promise instant follower boosts.

• Use services that actually explain how they work.

Lost followers thanks to a scam app? You can still clean up your list the safe way. FollowBuddy lets you see who unfollowed you—no risk to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scam follower apps hide behind fake reviews, vague promises, and flashy ads. Most ask for your Instagram login, which can lead to bans, hacks, or stolen data. Good tools avoid this by following Instagram’s rules and never asking for your password.

How can I spot a scam when using follower enhancement apps?

Watch for apps that want your Instagram username and password. That’s a giant red flag.
Scam apps often break Instagram’s rules by scraping your account info, which can get you restricted or banned.

What are some red flags on follower service sites?

Be wary if a site promises instant followers or “guaranteed” growth.
Bad grammar, no contact info, and fuzzy privacy policies are trouble signs too.

Are there any trustworthy reviews about follower services?

Sure, but you’ll need to look past star ratings.
Read recent reviews—see if people mention bans, login issues, or sudden drops in followers.

What should I do if I get a suspicious email from a follower service?

Don’t click links or download anything.
Report the email as phishing and delete it. If you already clicked, change your Instagram password right away.

How can I check if a follower service is legit?

See if it follows Instagram’s rules and doesn’t ask for your login.
Look for clear, honest explanations of how it works.

What steps can I take to ensure my Instagram account's safety when using follower services?

Try a privacy-focused Instagram unfollower tracker like FollowBuddy—it won’t ask for your password, which is a relief.
Switch on two-factor authentication, and every so often, scroll through your connected apps to kick out anything that looks off.