Have you come across a Facebook or Instagram account that is pretending to be someone else? Here’s how you can report impersonating accounts.
Users can report an impersonating account on Facebook via the platform’s web and mobile versions. First, let’s talk about the steps for reporting through Facebook’s web version. Head to Facebook’s website, sign in, and go to the fake profile or page. Then click on the three dots below the cover photo, and select ‘Find support or report profile’ to inform about a fake profile or ‘Find support or report Page‘ to report a Facebook Page. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to file a report for impersonation.
Report Imposters Using The Platforms’ Apps
Those who don’t have a Facebook account can also report an imposter by filling out a form provided on the support page. Similarly, users can also report fake accounts on Instagram.
Open the fake Instagram account via the mobile app, tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen, hit ‘Report,’ and select ‘Something about this account.‘ Under ‘What do you want to report about this account,‘ press ‘They are pretending to be someone else.‘
If the fake account is pretending to be a public figure or business, Instagram asks for the original account of the person or company as well. Unlike Facebook, Instagram asks for a government-issued identity card to report impersonating accounts. Further, the platform only accepts reports “from the person who’s being impersonated or a representative of the person who’s being impersonated.” For instance, parents can report if someone is impersonating their children on Instagram.