How to Recognize Fake Instagram Accounts

Co-authored by Kasey Dunn and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 19, 2024 Fact Checked

Getting a new follower on Instagram is an awesome feeling, especially if you’re trying to grow your account. However, sometimes you might be followed by fake accounts, which won't do much for your engagement and could even cause problems for you and your followers. Don't worry though—we've put together a list of some of the biggest red flags you should keep an eye out for when you're trying to tell if an Instagram account is fake or not.

1

The account has no profile picture.

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A profile without an identifying photo probably isn't real. A legit account would want people to know who they are so their friends and family members can find them.^{[1]
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- This could also be a friend that just hasn’t had time to add a profile pic, but it’s unlikely.

2

They have zero following and zero followers.

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Legitimate Instagram accounts will almost always have a few followers. If the account hasn’t followed anyone or doesn’t have any followers, it’s most likely fake.^{[2]
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- Bots usually use accounts like these to promote spam links in their bios. If you come across a profile like this, don’t click any links.

3

The account has no posts.

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Accounts without any posts are most likely trying to scam you. If you come across an account that hasn’t posted anything yet, it’s probably a bot.^{[3]
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- Even if the profile is private, you can check their post number by looking at the top of their profile.
- You should also look out for accounts that used to post a lot but don’t anymore. If they’ve been inactive for a while, they could be fake.

4

They leave generic comments on your posts.

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A fake account might be trying to get you to follow them back. If they comment “great post!” or “nice shot!” on a lot of your pictures in rapid succession, they might be fake.^{[4]
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- However, this could also be an influencer trying to gain a new follower. If you check out their profile and don’t see any other red flags, they’re probably a real person.

5

The account is using someone else’s images.

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Impersonation is a surefire way to spot a fake account. You can run their images through a reverse Google search; if the photos pop up somewhere else, it likely means the account is fake.^{[5]
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- If you see an account using photos from you or someone else, you can report them on the app or by visiting https://help.instagram.com/contact/636276399721841.

6

They’re following a suspiciously high number of accounts.

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Fake accounts try to up their followers by following a lot of people. If you notice a huge discrepancy between their following number and their followers, there’s a chance that their account is fake.^{[6]
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- This isn’t always the case, since some real accounts use the same tactic to up their followers, too. However, it can be a good jumping off point to start with.

7

It’s a brand new account.

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Instagram accounts that aren’t well established have a higher chance of being fake. Scroll down to the bottom of the profile and check the date of the first post. If it’s not more than a few days old, there’s a good chance the account is fake.^{[7]
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- If the account is private, you won’t be able to scroll and see their posts until they accept your following request.
- If the account has 0 posts, that’s a good indication that they’re fake, too.

8

They have a high follower account with low engagement.

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Fake or purchased followers often indicate a fake account. If their following is in the thousands but they only get a few likes or comments per post, they may have a fake profile.^{[8]
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- This could also indicate a real person using fake followers to up their numbers.
- You can also check out their followers to see if they look real or not. If a lot of their followers are inactive, don’t have profile photos, or have super generic names, it’s a good indication that the followers are fake (so the account might be too).

9

They post pictures of different people.

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These fake accounts are easy to spot within a few seconds. If all the photos on their account are of different people (usually attractive women who might look similar but not identical), the account is fake.^{[9]
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- Accounts like these are usually spam accounts trying to get people to click the links in their bios.

10

They’re offering discounts or sales.

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Scam accounts will often offer luxury goods at a steep discount. If a profile ever wants you to click a link for a discounted item, it’s most likely fake.^{[10]
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Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson

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- The most common account like this is one selling discounted Ray Bans. You might also see accounts like these on Twitter and Facebook.
- Never give your credit card info to an Instagram account.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What can you do if someone's pretending to be you on Instagram?

Kasey Dunn
Social Media Expert
Kasey Dunn is a Social Media Expert and the Senior Social Media Manager for Golden Arrow PR in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With over five years of experience, she specializes in business development, marketing, and brand design. She earned her BA in Business Administration and Management from Mount St. Joseph University. She also holds a SEMRUSH for Digital Agencies Certification, an SEO for Social Media Certification, and a Social Media Marketing Strategy: TikTok and Instagram Reels Certification.

Kasey Dunn

Social Media Expert

Expert Answer

You can report them on the app by going to the fake account and selecting "Report Account."

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Question

How can I verify that I'm following a legit celebrity Instagram account?

Community Answer

There will usually be a verified icon (blue check) on their profile. If there isn't one, look at their posts and see if they look official or not. An official celebrity account's content will be personal and unique. They may talk directly to their audience and show daily photos of their personal life as well as upcoming events they are involved in. A fake (unofficial) account will either be blank, or the only photos/videos will be random or generic (that can be found on other sites) without descriptions. They may also act out-of-character such as randomly asking people for money (which is a scam).

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Question

I did a Google image of this person, and it came up with no results. What would that mean?

Community Answer

It could just mean their profile photo is original and hasn't been uploaded anywhere else.

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