A Fake Account Using Your Name and Photo! How to Identify It on Instagram

Is someone running a fake account on Instagram using your name and photo? Learn how to identify such accounts, how to report them, and what steps to take if the account remains active even after you have reported it.

It can be highly problematic if someone else uses your name and photo on social media to interact with others. Your friends and acquaintances might mistake the account for the real one and place their trust in it. Often, such fake profiles are used to confuse people, spread misinformation, or solicit money and personal information.

Creating an account on Instagram by impersonating someone else is a violation of the platform's terms. If someone is impersonating you by using your photo, name, or other personal details, you can report it to Instagram. Let’s look at the proper way to identify and report such accounts.

How can you tell if an Instagram account is fake?

To identify a fake profile on Instagram, carefully examine its name, photo, bio, and other details. If an account uses your name, photo, bio, or personal information to pose as you—or if it reaches out to your friends and family asking for money, OTPs, or personal details—take screenshots of the profile, its posts, and any messages. Also, save the link to the account and report it.

How to report a fake account on Instagram:

1. If someone is using your identity to run a fake account on Instagram, go to that profile.

2. Tap on the three dots located at the top.

3. Select the 'Report' option.

4. Choose 'Report Account'.

5. Select 'It's pretending to be someone else' and indicate that the account is impersonating you.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit your report.

How to File a Report Without an Instagram Account

If you do not have an Instagram account, or if you prefer to file a report via the website, you can use Instagram’s reporting form. You may be asked to provide a copy of a government-issued identification document—such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license—to verify your identity. The review process for a report may take a few days, though the exact timeframe can vary depending on the specific case.

What to do if a fake account remains active even after you have reported it?

If a fake account persists on Instagram after you have filed a report, you can submit another report. You may use both the app and the website to do this. You can also seek assistance through the Instagram Help Center. Additionally, you can tag or send a message to @Instagram or @Creators on X (formerly Twitter) or Threads to provide details about the issue. If you have a verified account or a business account, you also have the option to contact Meta’s support team via the Meta Business Suite.