Evidence first, report second. Save the fake profile's link and username, capture the profile plus every message it has sent, and only then flag it from the profile's menu as an account posing as you. No account of your own, or a report that fizzled? Then it's Instagram's impersonation form, which accepts filings only from you or someone you've authorised, along with a photo of your ID.
Impersonation, or something else?
Getting the category right decides which report Instagram will act on.
| What the account does | What it usually counts as | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| Uses your name and photos and messages your followers as though it were you | Impersonation | This guide |
| Is clearly labelled as a fan page or parody | Usually not impersonation | Report only if it breaks another rule |
| Reposts your photos without claiming to be you | A copyright or privacy matter | Content about you |
| Trades on your logo or brand name to fool buyers | Possibly a trademark matter | Instagram's trademark report form |
Your evidence folder
- Handle and URL of the copy. Handles can be renamed, so save both.
- Screenshots of the profile, the bio and the posts.
- Captures of any DMs it sent your followers or customers, dates included.
- A link to your genuine account, if you have one.
Reporting it in the app
- Go to the fake profile and tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Report and choose the option for a profile posing as another person.
- When asked who it's pretending to be, choose you.
The account you report doesn't find out who reported it.
The impersonation form
No Instagram account of your own, or an in-app report that led nowhere? Then the next step is Instagram's Report an Impersonation Account form, linked in the sources below.
- Who may file it: the person being impersonated, or a representative they've authorised. Parents can file on behalf of a child.
- Your ID: the form asks for a photo of it, so Instagram knows the request genuinely comes from you.
- One form per fake: if several accounts are copying you, file a separate report for each.
When it's your business being copied
When a profile borrows your logo or brand name to fool buyers, Instagram's trademark report form, built for registered marks, may be the stronger tool. Have your registration details to hand.
Keep your followers safe meanwhile
- Use a story on your genuine profile to say a copy exists and that you never ask anyone for money or codes in a DM.
- If the fake keeps messaging people, pin a post with the same warning.
- Followers can flag the copy from the app too; the impersonation form is the only part limited to the person copied or their representative.
Fraud, threats or harassment coming from the copy are a police matter as well. EU residents also have the Digital Services Act on their side: platforms must make reporting illegal content simple and must let you know the outcome.
Common questions
Can my followers report the fake account?
Yes, from the app. The impersonation form works differently: only the person being copied, or someone they've authorised, may use it, and parents can file for a child.
Why does the impersonation form ask for my ID?
It's how Instagram checks that whoever files is the one being copied, and not someone trying to get a genuine profile removed.
Will the fake account see that I reported it?
No. Instagram says the account you report doesn't see who reported it.
Five fake accounts are copying me. Is one report enough?
No. Instagram wants one report per impersonating account, so file one for each fake.
Fake account still online?
Share the links and screenshots with us. We'll sort the evidence and say, at no cost, which report stands the best chance.
Sources
- Report an Impersonation Account on Instagram or Threads (Instagram Help Center form) help.instagram.com
- What can I do if someone is impersonating me on Instagram? (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Report an account for impersonation (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Trademark Report Form (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com