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Creator Pays Crypto to Restore Instagram After Fake Claim

9/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Olly, an Instagram creator, paid $50 (£37) in cryptocurrency to restore his account after a fake copyright claim.
The claim suspended and demonetised Olly’s account, costing him thousands of pounds.
Extorters, reportedly in India or nearby, have demanded up to $900 (£668) to drop claims.
Law enforcement warns victims that paying ransoms fuels the criminal ecosystem.
Meta restored content, added protections, and says creators often pay £9.99 monthly for support.

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Story summary

Olly, an Instagram creator, paid $50 (£37) in cryptocurrency to restore his account after a fake copyright claim.
The claim suspended and demonetised Olly’s account, costing him thousands of pounds.
Extorters, reportedly in India or nearby, have demanded up to $900 (£668) to drop claims.
Law enforcement warns victims that paying ransoms fuels the criminal ecosystem.
Meta restored content, added protections, and says creators often pay £9.99 monthly for support.