Quick answer: Report social media impersonation directly on the platform using its built-in “report” feature — this is the fastest way to get a fake account removed. Also file with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the impersonator used your identity to defraud others or you lost money, file with the FBI at IC3.gov and your local police. For a hacked account you can’t access, use each platform’s account recovery process immediately.
Social media impersonation — someone creating a fake account pretending to be you — and account hacking are serious crimes under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and state identity theft laws. Impersonators use fake profiles to scam your contacts for money, spread misinformation, or damage your reputation. The faster you report to the platform and document the abuse, the better your outcome.
Two Separate Problems: Impersonation vs. Hacking
Impersonation means someone created a new fake account using your name, photos, and identity — your real account still exists and you still have access to it. Hacking means someone gained unauthorized access to your actual account and is now using it. Both require urgent action but through different channels. For impersonation, report the fake account to the platform and file with the FTC. For hacking, use the platform’s account recovery process first, then change all related passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and file with IC3.gov if money was stolen.
Where to Report Social Media Impersonation
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Get Your Free Checklist →| Situation | Agency / Platform | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Fake account impersonating you | The platform directly | Use “Report” button on the fake profile |
| Facebook impersonation | facebook.com/help/174210519303259 | |
| Instagram impersonation | help.instagram.com/370054663112398 | |
| Identity theft / fraud via impersonation | FTC | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| Money lost / account hacked for fraud | FBI IC3 | IC3.gov |
| Criminal identity theft complaint | Local police | Non-emergency line or online report portal |
Platform-Specific Reporting Links
Go to the fake profile → click the three dots (•••) → “Find support or report” → “Pretending to be someone.”
Tap the three dots on the fake profile → “Report” → “It’s pretending to be someone else.” You can report even without an Instagram account.
X (Twitter)
Click the three dots on the fake tweet or profile → “Report” → “They’re pretending to be me or someone I know.”
Click “More” on the fake profile → “Report/Block” → “Fake profile.” LinkedIn also has a dedicated impersonation report form.
TikTok
Tap the share icon on the fake profile → “Report” → “Pretending to be me or someone else.”
YouTube
Click the three dots on the channel → “Report user” → select the impersonation reason.
How to Report Social Media Impersonation Step by Step
- Screenshot everything immediately. Capture the fake profile URL, profile photo, bio, and any posts or messages the impersonator sent. Platforms often remove reported accounts quickly — you need documentation before that happens for police or FTC reports.
- Report the fake account directly on the platform. Use the “report” feature on the impersonating profile. Select “impersonation” or “pretending to be someone.” Platforms typically review within 24–72 hours and remove confirmed impersonation accounts.
- Warn your contacts. Post on your real account alerting friends and followers that an impersonator account exists, not to send money or personal information to it, and to report the fake account too. More reports accelerate platform action.
- File with the FTC. Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, especially if the impersonator used your identity to solicit money from your contacts or commit fraud. The FTC tracks identity-based fraud patterns.
- File with the FBI’s IC3 if money was lost. If anyone was scammed by the impersonator claiming to be you, file at IC3.gov. Include all profile URLs, screenshots, and any transaction information.
- File a police report. Social media impersonation used to commit fraud is identity theft under state and federal law. A police report creates a formal record and may be required by your bank or employer if the impersonation caused financial or professional harm.
- Check your credit and identity. If a scammer used your identity extensively, place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and review your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com for any unauthorized accounts.
If Your Account Was Hacked
- Use the platform’s account recovery immediately. Each platform has a hacked account recovery flow — use it before anything else. For Facebook: facebook.com/hacked. For Instagram: instagram.com/hacked. For Google/YouTube: myaccount.google.com/security.
- Change passwords on all linked accounts. If the hacked account used a password also used elsewhere, change those immediately. Use a unique, strong password for every account.
- Enable two-factor authentication. Once you regain access, immediately enable 2FA using an authenticator app (not SMS if possible). This prevents re-hacking.
- Review connected apps. In each platform’s settings, review which third-party apps have access and revoke any you don’t recognize — these may be how the hack occurred.
- Alert your contacts. Notify your network the account was hacked and to disregard any messages sent during the breach, especially any asking for money.
Most Common Ways Accounts Get Hacked
Phishing: Fake login pages that steal your credentials. Always check the URL before entering your password — legitimate platforms use their exact domain.
Password reuse: Using the same password across sites. When one site is breached, attackers try those credentials everywhere. Use a password manager.
Third-party apps: Shady apps that request broad account permissions can be used to hijack your account. Only grant permissions to apps you trust.
Legal Consequences for Impersonators
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Unauthorized account access carries up to 5–10 years federal imprisonment depending on intent and damages.
State identity theft laws: Impersonation used to defraud is identity theft in all 50 states — a felony in most jurisdictions when financial harm results.
Civil liability: Victims of impersonation fraud can sue for damages including any money lost by contacts who were scammed under your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report Cyberbullying, How to Report Identity Theft, How to Report an Online Scam.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
This guide is a supporting article in our pillar resource covering all scam types, every federal agency, and all 50 state contacts.
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