Instagram·Social network

Instagram account pretending to be you?

To remove an Instagram account impersonating you, report it in the app as "pretending to be someone" and choose "Me", or use Instagram's impersonation form if you can't log in. Instagram asks for a photo of your government ID to confirm it's you, and you need a separate report for each fake account.

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How to report an Instagram impersonation account

  1. 1

    Save the evidence

    Screenshot the fake account's profile, posts and username, and copy the profile link before you report it.

  2. 2

    Report it in the app

    Open the account, tap the three dots, choose Report, then "Report account", select "Pretending to be someone" and pick "Me".

  3. 3

    Or use the impersonation form

    If you don't have an account or can't log in, use Instagram's impersonation form. It works for Threads accounts too.

  4. 4

    Confirm your identity

    Upload a photo of your government ID, or of yourself holding it. Instagram says the ID is deleted within 30 days.

  5. 5

    Report each account separately

    Each report covers one account. If there are several fakes, submit one report per account and keep a list of what you sent.

Official page: Instagram impersonation report form ↗

Impersonation vs. a stolen photo

Instagram treats these differently. An account pretending to be you, with your name or photos, goes through the impersonation report. A single photo of yours reposted by someone who isn't pretending to be you is usually a privacy or copyright report instead. Picking the right type gets a faster result.

Fake accounts often come in waves

Scammers clone accounts to message your followers, often asking for money or promoting a scam. Warn your followers with a story post, and keep checking for new copies, since a second fake often appears after the first one is removed. Stolen Instagram photos are also a common source for fake dating profiles on Tinder.

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Finds your photos by face match

Image and face matching finds fake profiles and reposts of you on Instagram, even under another name.

Files the right report

Impersonation, privacy and copyright reports each have their own rules. We file the one that fits, with the evidence Instagram asks for.

Follows up until it is gone

We track every report and keep checking for new accounts or reposts that use your photos.

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Instagram: frequently asked questions

Can I report an impersonation account without an Instagram account?

Yes. Use Instagram's impersonation form in the Help Center instead of the in-app report.

Can I report an account pretending to be my friend?

Instagram only acts on reports from the person being impersonated or their authorized representative, such as a parent. Ask your friend to report it themselves.

Why does Instagram need my ID?

To confirm you are the person being impersonated. Instagram says the ID isn't shown to anyone on Instagram and is deleted within 30 days.

What if the account posts intimate images of me?

Report those posts as non-consensual intimate images, which Instagram treats as urgent. You can also use StopNCII.org, which Instagram works with to block matching images.

Sources

Last reviewed . Removal processes change often; if a step looks different, follow the site's current instructions.

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