Fake accounts are one of the most common issues on social media platforms like Instagram. These accounts can impersonate real people, brands, or public figures, and are often used to scam, spread misinformation, or steal personal content. If you’ve ever come across an account pretending to be you or someone else, it’s important to take action.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through how to report fake accounts on Instagram, based on verified practices from Instagram’s Help Center and real user experiences from Reddit and Quora. This article is meant for anyone—whether you’re an everyday user, a business owner, or an influencer—who needs to protect their identity or report suspicious behavior on the platform.
Why Reporting Fake Accounts Matters
Fake Instagram accounts can:
- Steal your identity and images.
- Scam your followers by pretending to be you.
- Damage your reputation by spreading false content.
- Violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Use.
Reporting these accounts helps Instagram remove them and prevent further harm to the community.
Signs of a Fake Instagram Account
Before reporting, check for these common signs of impersonation:
- Uses your name, photos, or bio without permission.
- Has no original content or just a few random posts.
- Sends suspicious DMs asking for money or links.
- Follows hundreds of people but has very few followers.
- Tags you or your friends in strange giveaway or crypto promotions.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re likely dealing with a fake profile.
How to Report a Fake Account on Instagram (Mobile App)
Follow these steps directly in the Instagram app:
Step 1: Go to the Impersonating Profile
Open Instagram and search for the fake account. Tap their profile to open it.
Step 2: Tap the Three-Dot Menu
In the top right corner of their profile, tap the three vertical dots (⋮).
Step 3: Select “Report”
A menu will appear. Choose “Report”.
Step 4: Choose “Report Account”
From the options, select “Report account” > then choose “It’s pretending to be someone else.”
Step 5: Indicate Who Is Being Impersonated
You’ll see multiple choices like:
- Me
- Someone I know
- A celebrity or public figure
Choose the appropriate option based on the situation.
Step 6: Submit Your Report
Instagram will log your report and begin a review. You’ll get a notification once they’ve taken action, although Instagram doesn’t always provide a timeline.
How to Report a Fake Instagram Account (Desktop)
If you prefer using a browser:
- Go to the fake profile on Instagram.com.
- Click the three-dot icon next to the username.
- Select “Report user.”
- Choose “They’re pretending to be someone else.”
- Confirm your identity or the person being impersonated.
- Submit the report.
How to Report an Instagram Impersonation Without an Account
If you don’t have an Instagram account, or you’re reporting for someone else, you can still file a complaint using Instagram’s impersonation form.
Here’s how:
- Visit Instagram
- Choose who’s being impersonated:
- Yourself
- Someone you represent (e.g., client, family member)
- Fill in your name, email, and impersonated account details.
- Upload a government-issued ID to verify your identity.
- Describe the situation briefly.
- Submit the form.
This is Instagram’s official route for non-users or users locked out due to impersonation.
Reporting Impersonation of a Business or Brand
If you represent a business or public brand, follow these additional tips:
- Report via the impersonation form and attach:
- A copy of your government ID (if applicable).
- A utility bill or legal document proving your ownership of the brand or trademark.
- Consider consulting a legal team if the impersonation includes trademark violations or is being used to scam customers.
What Happens After You Report?
- Instagram reviews reports manually.
- If the account violates the platform’s impersonation policies, it will be disabled.
- You may or may not receive a notification. Sometimes the account disappears without confirmation.
- If Instagram determines the report was invalid, the account will remain active.
What If Instagram Doesn’t Remove the Fake Account?
If your report doesn’t result in removal, try the following:
- Get more people to report it. Ask friends, colleagues, or followers to also report the account.
- Submit the impersonation form again, especially if new evidence has emerged.
- Tag Instagram’s official support accounts (like @instagram or @creators) in posts (only when appropriate).
- Switch to a professional account and apply for verification to reduce future impersonations.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Accounts
Being proactive is key. Here’s what I do:
- I run a Google search of my name and images every few months to check for impersonators.
- I’ve enabled two-factor authentication on Instagram.
- I keep my personal profile information private and never post sensitive data like IDs or location.
- I apply for Instagram verification if I meet the criteria, which helps followers identify the real me.
Common Questions About Reporting Fake Accounts
Will the fake user know I reported them?
No. Reports are anonymous. The person or bot won’t know you submitted the complaint.
How long does Instagram take to respond?
There’s no guaranteed timeline. Some users report action within hours, others wait days or weeks.
Can I contact Instagram directly?
Not usually. Instagram doesn’t offer live support for most users. For urgent brand cases, consider Meta Business Support if your account is linked to a business manager.
Final Thoughts
Reporting fake Instagram accounts isn’t just about protecting yourself—it also helps keep the community safe. Whether you’re a casual user, public figure, or business owner, it’s essential to take action when someone pretends to be you.
By following the steps in this guide, you can make sure your report is handled the right way, and reduce the risk of harm or confusion caused by impersonators.
