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Phishing accounts have become all too common online, especially given our increased reliance on social networks like Facebook and Instagram. They can have devastating emotional, reputational and financial repercussions - employing fake images, names and bios with fake bios to fool followers and deceive the public.

If you are the target, or know somebody who has been targeted, it is critical to have a methodical and systematic way of addressing the problem. In this article, you will find out how to properly report, warn, adjust privacy settings, and even defend one's self against phony Instagram accounts.

Step 1: Confirm the Account is Impersonating You

Ensure the person is using a profile pretending to be you or someone you know to a significant degree and in detail.

The core components of impersonation include:

 

  • Full name, photos, bio or other pertinent detail used without consent.
  • Sending direct messages pretending to be the targeted user to scam and deceive other users.
  • Sending messages soliciting funds, one time passwords (OTPs) or other confidential information in the name of the user being impersonated.
  • Lying about actions and making false accusations that can irreparably damage social and professional life.

 

Tip: It is imperative to take clear screenshots of all relevant information, and the profiles and usernames related to the issue. Grab the profile URL too, as you'd need this for the report.

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Step 2: Report the Fake Account to Instagram

Via Instagram App

 

  • Open the fake profile
  • Tap the three-dot icon (top-right corner)
  • Select Report > Report Account > It’s pretending to be someone else
  • Choose "Me" or "Someone I know"
  • Follow the prompts and submit

 

Via Web Form (recommended for non-users or serious cases)

 

  • Use Instagram’s Impersonation Report Form
  • Upload a valid government-issued ID (passport, Aadhaar, driver’s license, etc.) for identity verification
  • Instagram usually responds within a few days, but timing can vary

 

Step 3: Alert Your Followers to Prevent Scams

Since fake accounts often target your network, warn people immediately.

Example Instagram Story/Feed Post:

“Fake Account Alert: Someone is impersonating me on Instagram. Please don’t share personal info or follow that account. I’ve reported it to Instagram — kindly report it too. Thank you!”

The more people report the account, the faster it’s likely to be removed.

Step 4: Escalate If No Action is Taken

If Instagram hasn’t removed the account:

 

  • Re-report using both the app and web form
  • Use Instagram’s Help Center
  • Tag or DM @Instagram or @Creators on X (Twitter) or Threads
  • If you have a verified or business account, contact Meta Business Support through your Business Suite

 

Persistence can speed up resolution.

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Step 5: Seek Legal Help for Serious Offenses

For cases that fall under harassment, fraud, defamation or extortion, legal action can be taken.

In India:

 

  • Report cybercrimes at cybercrime.gov.in
  • Use Section 66D of the IT Act, 2000 ( impersonation through electronic means).
  • Register an FIR with your local cybercrime cell or police.
  • If necessary, retain the services of a cyber law advocate.

 

For all of the above, it is essential to gather all material: screenshots, links, messages that were sent and received, and identity verification documents.

Note, If the Victim is a Minor: To counter the issue of impersonation, Instagram has strategies to assist underage users impersonated online. Use the Fake Account Report Form and include the age of the victim for expedited action.

Preventive Measures: Reduce Your Risk of Being Impersonated

While you can’t completely prevent impersonation, these steps help protect your identity:

 

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — Adds a verification step during login
  • Set your profile to private — Restricts access to personal content
  • Limit personal information — Avoid sharing phone numbers, exact locations, or birthdays publicly
  • Watermark your images — Makes it harder for others to reuse them

 

In short, now online impersonation poses a genuine threat to both you and the credibility of those in your social circle. Protecting both social networks and reputations requires both an appropriate response using Instagram's reporting system as well as swift actions against any impostor actions taken against us.