With the promise of verification, hackers target Instagram influencers

Hackers have sent emails claiming to belong to the "Instagram verification team," offering users the option to request a verified checkmark, the Trend Micro cyber security firm said. It is not known when the hacking program started.

"We have seen cases where Instagram profile owners with between 15,000 and 70,000 followers have been hacked and never found.The victims ranged from famous actors and singers to start-up business owners. such as the rental of photoshoot equipment, "said Trend Micro in a blog published Thursday.

The company said it had to look for emails containing "questionable font styles," incorrect grammar, and punctuation.

Although no one knows who is behind the hacking, the company said they appeared to be Turkish speakers.

Trend Micro said it had unveiled its findings to Instagram and its parent company Facebook, but had not heard them yet.

In a statement sent to CNN Business, Instagram warned users to be wary of any communication purporting to come from the company.

"We will never send you a proactive email on verification, and we will never try to sell you this verification." Beyond the ads, Instagram does not sell any product or service and will not make any offers by email. ", the statement said.

The company said it was advising its users to implement two-factor authentication to make the accounts even more secure.