Someone Created a Fake Instagram Account in My Name

Someone Created a Fake Instagram Account in My Name

If someone has created an Instagram account using your name or photographs, first document the account before it disappears or changes. A fake account may be merely deceptive, or it may be used for harassment, fraud, impersonation or reputational harm.

Step 1: Screenshot the account

Capture the profile, username, profile picture, bio, posts and any messages. Save the profile URL and note the date you discovered it.

Step 2: Ask trusted contacts to preserve evidence

If the fake account contacted friends, family, customers or colleagues, ask them to preserve the messages and screenshots rather than deleting them.

Step 3: Report the account

Use Instagram’s reporting process. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal also provides a facility for reporting suspect social-media URLs and other identifiers. citeturn0search6turn0search2

Step 4: Consider legal action

Where the conduct involves identity theft or cheating by personation using a computer resource, Information Technology Act Sections 66C and 66D may be relevant in appropriate circumstances. citeturn0search24

Legal assistance

SPG Legal Consultancy can help assess the fake-account conduct, organise evidence and prepare an appropriate complaint.