Identity theft via the creation of fake accounts is a growing threat. These practices can have serious consequences: misuse of your identity, fraud, reputational damage and loss of personal data.
What is a fake account?
A fake account is a fake social media profile created with false information or by using someone else's identity.
The purpose of fake accounts:
- Misleading friends or followers.
- Spreading scams or sharing harmful content.
- Obtain personal information through fraudulent interactions.
Risks of identity theft on social media
- Breach of privacy: Sensitive information may be exposed.
- Financial scams: An identity is misused to solicit money from friends.
- Reputational damage: Fake accounts may post harmful messages or content.
- Identity theft for criminal purposes: The identity is used for illegal activities.
How do I recognise a fake account?
- The account has little or no published content.
- The profile photos appear generic or copied (e.g. stock photos).
- Unusual requests, such as suspicious links or money requests.
- No authentic interactions with other users.
How do I report a fake account (identity theft)?
Here are the detailed steps to report identity theft on different platforms.
On social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.).
Each platform has its own procedure to report a fake account.
Facebook:
- Go to the profile pretending to be someone else. If you cannot find the profile, you can search on the profile name or ask a friend to send you a link to the profile.
- Click on the three dots below the cover photo.
- Select ‘Report profile’.
- Follow the instructions.
Instagram:
- In the person's overview or story post, click or tap the username or click or tap the magnifying glass and find the username to go to the profile.
- Click or tap the three dots next to the username.
- Click or tap ‘Report’ and then ‘Report account’.
- Click or tap ‘Impersonate someone else’.
- Select the type of impersonation and follow the on-screen instructions.
X:
- Go to the fake account's profile.
- Click on the three vertical dots at the top right of the profile.
- Select ‘Report @’ > ‘Impersonation’, ‘Impersonating me...’.
- Follow the instructions and provide the requested details.
On Gmail, Outlook or other email services
Gmail:
- Go to Google's Help Centre and fill in the report form.
- Include a detailed description of the problem and screenshots if possible.
Outlook:
- Use the fake account reporting form.
- Provide the necessary details and attach evidence if possible.
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