Meta has filed a lawsuit against photographer Daniel Folger, alleging he engaged in an illicit Instagram username resale scheme and account reinstatement service. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, claims Folger facilitated high-priced transactions for coveted Instagram handles and worked with a Meta insider to restore banned accounts for a fee.
According to Meta, Folger charged anywhere from $700 to $50,000 for usernames, offering access to rare or short handles that are in high demand among influencers, businesses, and social media enthusiasts. The lawsuit alleges that he obtained some of these usernames by pressuring account holders to sell or abandon them, violating Instagram’s policies.
Beyond usernames, Meta claims Folger was involved in a more elaborate operation: helping banned Instagram users regain access to their accounts in exchange for money. The company says this was accomplished with the help of a Meta employee who worked internally to reactivate accounts that had previously been shut down for violating platform rules.
The lawsuit is believed to be the first of its kind targeting this specific type of Instagram-related misconduct. It reflects Meta’s increasing efforts to crack down on unauthorized services that manipulate its platforms for financial gain.
The practice of buying and selling Instagram usernames, often referred to as “OG” (original) handles, has long existed in a gray legal area. While Instagram prohibits the resale of accounts, a black market for usernames continues to thrive, with some highly sought-after handles commanding tens of thousands of dollars. The lawsuit suggests that Meta intends to pursue legal action against individuals profiting from this underground industry.
Neither Folger nor any representatives have publicly responded to the lawsuit. It remains unclear whether the alleged Meta insider has been identified or if they are facing any legal repercussions.
For Meta, the case serves as both a legal action and a deterrent against similar schemes. The lawsuit’s outcome could set a precedent for how social media companies handle username reselling and unauthorized account restorations.
As of now, no court date has been set, and the extent of Folger’s alleged operations is still being determined.
I kind of like that this Folger guy had the ingenuity and resourcefulness to find a unique way to profit via Instagram. He found a way to provide something that is valuable to people, and offers a service that there is a demand for. Good for him! It's a shame that Instagram is shutting him down and suing him over it. I hope that he figures out a way to keep everything that he made for himself before the case goes to court and an he has a judgement issued against him.