Do you know what to do when someone pretends to be you on Instagram?

It can be very unsettling when someone pretends to be you on a social site you use. Sadly, this kind of activity is far too common.

When something like this happens, the key is to act swiftly to both notify your connections on the account and to make a report through the standard processes of the social site. Then make a point to carefully monitor the account in case it happens again.

 

My Own Experience of Someone Impersonating My Instagram Account

Just over a week ago, I had this happen to me on my Instagram account

Fortunately, two of my Instagram followers texted me that someone with an account resembling mine had recently followed them. I later learned that some of my followers had already followed this copycat account. The account then started direct messaging at least some of them.

After I got the texts, I looked up my account name on Instagram. Sure enough, there was another account with almost exactly the same user name as mine. The impersonating account had all the same bio info as I have in my account. It also had some (but not all) of my posts on it.

Steps I Took Once I Found Out about the Impersonating Account

I posted on Instagram that someone had impersonated me, and I warned my followers not to follow that account back. Since a lot of those folks are also my Facebook friends, I posted there as well. Then I changed the password I have for my Instagram account.

Then I completed the report found on Instagram that you fill out when someone impersonates your account. In retrospect, I realize that this step should have been the first one that I took.

Here’s the link to that report https://help.instagram.com/contact/636276399721841

The report can only be completed by the person whose account was impersonated. In order to get the impersonating account removed, you must include a link to its user name.

Before you submit the report, you need to attach a photo of yourself with an accepted ID. This ID must have your full name and photo or something that has your full name and age. Instagram tells you the types of ID’s you can use.

Fortunately for me, Instagram removed the impersonating account within two hours of me reporting it, so that was a relief.

 

What Can You and Your Instagram Followers Do?

I’ve become more vigilant when it comes to Instagram. Now I regularly checking to see if there’s an impersonating account out there.

Also, when you have someone follow you on Instagram, text or email them if you see they already follow you. Like me, they will appreciate you alerting them of this issue.

Also, share that link with them that I mentioned above to use when reporting the impersonating account.

 

How About You?

Have you had someone impersonate your Instagram account? How did you handle this when it happened? What tips do you offer to help keep your account secure?

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. She works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com