Police have warned that they have received a number of complaints from internet users about breaches on Instagram.

The cybercrime unit calls on the public to be especially careful after receiving a number of reports about Instagram breaches in recent days involving the creation of fake accounts.

The unit said that from an audit of the reports, it was clear the actions were intended to financially defraud.

Social media users are asked not to reveal their passwords to any person under any circumstances, increase their account security settings and enable two-step account authentication.

In the event someone receives a suspicious message or request, they should communicate if possible in a different manner to confirm with the person who sent the message as it might come from a fake account set up in the other person’s name.

If a link is received through their account and it looks suspicious, users should change their password, the unit said.