How do I report an impersonation account on Facebook?

Facebook impersonation, also known as catfishing, is when someone creates a fake account pretending to be someone else. Impersonation goes against Facebook’s Community Standards and should be reported right away. Here’s how to properly report an impersonation account on Facebook and get it removed.

Recognizing Facebook Impersonation

The first step is identifying that an account is impersonating someone. Here are some signs that a Facebook profile may be fake:

• The account is using someone else’s photos, especially photos you recognize from someone you know.
• The account has very few posts and friends.
• You received a friend request from the account but you don’t know the person.
• The account name is slightly different from the name of the person being impersonated (like an extra letter or number).
• The account bio has relationship status, work, or education information that doesn’t match up with the person they’re pretending to be.

If you suspect an account is impersonating someone, take a close look through the profile for any other unusual activity. Fake accounts often have posts and photos inconsistent with things the real person would post.

Reporting the Impersonation Account

Once you’re certain the account is impersonating someone, you can report it directly to Facebook:

1. Go to the profile page of the impersonation account.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
3. Select “Find Support or Report Profile.”
4. Choose “Pretending to be someone.”
5. Select “This profile is pretending to be me or someone I know.”

This will open a report form where you can explain how the account is impersonating someone. Provide as many details as possible how you know the account is fake.

You can also report individual posts, photos, or messages as impersonation. Click the three dots next to the content, choose “Find Support or Report Post” and select “Pretending to be someone.”

What Happens After Reporting Impersonation

After submitting a report, Facebook will investigate the impersonation account. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Here’s the process:

1. Account Memorialization – If Facebook can confirm the reported account is impersonating someone who passed away, they will “memorialize” the account. This makes it so no one can log into it again. The word “Remembering” will appear next to the name.
2. Account Disable – If Facebook confirms the impersonation violates their policies, they will disable the account so it’s no longer visible or usable. Disabled accounts typically get deleted after 30 days.
3. Account Remains Active – If Facebook does not find a policy violation, the impersonation account may remain active. You will get an email explaining their decision.

If the impersonating account remains active, you can file another report providing more evidence it is fake. Or consider blocking the user.

Other Actions to Restrict Impersonation

Here are some other steps you can take related to a Facebook impersonation account:

Report Unauthorized Profile Photo Use

If the impersonator is using your personal photos, you can file a separate report for unauthorized use of your photos. Just click the three dots on the photo itself and choose “Find Support or Report Photo.” Then select “Unauthorized use of my photos.”

Report Scams or Blackmail

Fake accounts are sometimes used for scams, catfishing, or blackmail. If the impersonator attempts anything illegal or dangerous, report it immediately to Facebook and the authorities.

Request Proof of Identity

You can proactively request proof of identity from suspicious accounts. Go to their profile, click the three dots, choose “Find Support or Report Profile” and then “Request proof of identity.” This prompts the account owner to verify their identity with a government ID.

Warn Friends and Followers

Let your friends, family, and followers know that the impersonation account is fake. Make a post explaining the situation to prevent them from being deceived.

Block the User

Block the impersonator so they can no longer interact with you on Facebook. You’ll never see their messages, friend requests, posts, or search results again.

Preventing Impersonation

Here are some tips to help avoid impersonation of your Facebook profile:

• Carefully choose friends and only accept requests from people you know.
• Use privacy settings to limit profile visibility.
• Avoid sharing personal photos publicly.
• Create a unique username not using your real name.
• Use two-factor authentication for extra login security.
• Periodically search your name to check for impersonators.

Conclusion

Facebook impersonation can be frustrating and even dangerous. If you come across a fake account, report it right away to Facebook. Provide as much proof as possible that the account is impersonating someone without consent. With Facebook’s help, the majority of reported impersonators get disabled or memorialized. You can also take steps like blocking the user, warning friends, and using privacy settings to protect yourself from potential impersonation.