Is this a new way to "scam" shoutouts?

I barely pay attention to most of my DMs since I have too many accounts to look at them too often. But I do check once in a while, and I've gotten quite a few DMs from people begging for shoutouts because their "really popular" page was hacked and they lost all their followers. Pretty much trying to pull compassion strings.

But I get too many of these from various people on different accounts for this to actually be true. I dunno, maybe it is? Interesting method.

How I would handle this situation. "I can understand that losing an account can be tough but I run a business. If I make an exception for you I would have to make an exception for everyone. Good luck."

I would not do free shoutouts for someone asking for them.

Maybe i'm an ass.

No, you're not an ass. I wouldn't do it either.

I never do s4s. And never do a free shoutout. Once you do it say goodbye to your reputation.

i believe thats a way of decieving big accounts to do a s/o for them

Lol how is it a scam?

They're just lying to get free shoutouts but in no way does it scam you.
Just ignore them, and move on.