Collect evidence first: the fake profile's link, screenshots and any messages it sent. Then report it in the app from the fake profile's menu, choosing the option that it's pretending to be you. If you don't have an Instagram account, or the report goes nowhere, use Instagram's impersonation form. Only you or your authorised representative can file it, and you'll need a photo of your ID.
What counts as impersonation
Impersonation means an account pretends to be you, or your business, in a way that could mislead people: your name, your photos, your bio, and usually messages to your followers asking for money, codes or "investments".
Accounts that are clearly labelled as fan pages or parody usually aren't treated as impersonation. If someone reposts your photos without pretending to be you, that may be a copyright or privacy issue instead. See how to get content about you removed.
Step 1: Collect evidence before you report
- The fake account's username and profile link (usernames change, so save both).
- Screenshots of the profile, its posts and its bio.
- Screenshots of messages it sent to your followers or customers, with dates.
- A link to your real account, if you have one.
Step 2: Report it in the app
- Open the fake profile and tap the menu (the three dots).
- Choose Report and follow the options for an account pretending to be someone.
- Say that it's pretending to be you.
Reports are anonymous: the account you report won't see who reported it.
Step 3: Use Instagram's impersonation form
If you don't have an Instagram account, or your in-app report didn't lead anywhere, use the Report an Impersonation Account form in Instagram's Help Center (linked in the sources below).
- Who can file: the person being impersonated or their authorised representative. A parent can report for a child.
- ID: you'll be asked for a photo of your ID. The form says it will be deleted within 30 days.
- One account per report: if there are several fake accounts, file a separate report for each.
For businesses and brands
If an account is using your brand name or logo to mislead customers, a trademark report may be the stronger route. Instagram has a separate trademark report form for registered marks. Keep your trademark registration details ready.
Protect your followers while you wait
- Post a story on your real account warning that a fake account exists and that you'll never ask for money or codes in DMs.
- Pin a short post with the same message if the fake account keeps contacting people.
- Followers can report the fake account in the app too, but Instagram's impersonation form only accepts reports from you or your representative.
If the fake account is used for fraud, threats or harassment, report it to your local police as well. In the EU, the Digital Services Act also requires platforms to offer an easy way to report illegal content and to tell you what they decided.
Frequently asked questions
Can a friend report the fake account for me?
Friends can report it in the app, but Instagram's impersonation form only accepts reports from the person being impersonated or their authorised representative. A parent can report on behalf of a child.
Why does Instagram need my ID?
To confirm that the report really comes from the person being impersonated. The form says the ID image is deleted within 30 days.
Will the fake account know I reported it?
No. Instagram says reports are anonymous and the account you reported won't see who reported it.
Can I report several fake accounts in one go?
Instagram asks you to report one impersonating account at a time. File a separate report for each fake account.
Fake account still online?
Send us the links and screenshots. We'll organise the evidence and tell you, for free, which report is most likely to work.
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