PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Did somebody create an Instagram account pretending to be you or someone you know? Instagram takes impersonator accounts seriously, so it's easy to report them on the web and through the mobile app. We'll show you exactly how to report a fake Instagram account and make sure the account is deleted.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using the Web Form (Most Effective)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go to https://help.instagram.com/contact/636276399721841 in a web browser. If somebody on Instagram is pretending to be you or somebody you represent (such as your child), filling out this form is the most effective way to report the account.[1]
    • If you want to report an account that is impersonating a celebrity, organization, or public figure, report it through the mobile app.
    • If somebody is pretending to be your friend, have your friend fill out the form instead.
  2. You'll need to choose whether someone created a fake account for you or for your child.
    • If you selected "Somebody created an account pretending to be me or a friend," choose "Yes, I am the person being impersonated" to continue.
    Advertisement
  3. Enter your name and email address into the first two fields. Even if you're reporting an account for your child, you'll need to enter your own name into the top field.
  4. If you are reporting for your child or somebody else who has authorized you to make the report, you'll have to provide your relationship to the person, such as "Authorized representative" or "parent of child," as well as that person's real name.
    • If that person has their own Instagram account already, enter that into the "The Instagram username of the person being impersonated" field.
  5. You'll be asked for two pieces of information related to the fake account:
    • In the "The full name listed on the account that you're reporting" field, type the name the imposter uses in their profile (if they entered one). This is not the username—instead, it's whatever the person added as their name in their bio.
    • In the next field, type the Instagram username used by the imposter.
  6. Take a photo of yourself (or your child) holding up ID. Any form of government ID will work, including a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, visa, or tribal identification card.[2] You can take the photo with your phone and then email it to yourself if you're using a computer.
    • If you don't have government ID, you can hold up two other forms of ID, such as a library card, bank statement, check, credit card, transit card, paycheck stub, utility bill, diploma, or school ID card.
    • For a full list of accepted ID forms, see https://help.instagram.com/271237319690904.
  7. This adds the photo to the form.
  8. Instagram will review your report and contact you if further information is needed. If they determine that somebody is impersonating you or the person you represent, they will delete the fake account.
  9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the Mobile App (Fastest)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Reporting an account in the Instagram app is less effective than using the web form, as you can't provide any proof or specific information. But you can still submit a quick report to Instagram through the app, and they'll use "technology or a review team" (according to the app) to investigate the situation.
    • This method is better if you want to report an account that's impersonating a celebrity or avoid scams and report a fake account created to scam people.
    • If you're reporting somebody who is impersonating you or your child, use the web form, not the mobile app.
  2. This displays a few reporting options.[3]
  3. It's the last option.[4]
  4. Now you'll see several options for reporting.[5]
  5. While you won't be able to provide any proof that the person is impersonating an account, the option you choose can help Instagram investigate the issue and disable the account if they think it's suspicious.[6]
    • For example, you can select A celebrity or public figure if somebody is impersonating somebody famous, but you won't be able to specify who they are impersonating.
  6. It's the blue button at the bottom of the screen. This submits the report to Instagram. Depending on what their technology or support team finds, they may disable the account.
  7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Spot fake Instagram accounts by looking for long usernames with lots of symbols or empty bio sections. They usually only have a few posts with inconsistent quality.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Blank Highlight Name5 Easy Steps to Have Invisible Highlight Names on Instagram
View the List of People You Have Requested to Follow on InstagramEasily View a List of People You Have Requested to Follow on Instagram
View Instagram Without an Account View Instagram Without an Account Anonymously
Save a Picture from Instagram4 Easy Ways to Download a Picture from Instagram
View Instagram Stories Anonymously Watch Someone's IG Story Without Them Knowing
Reset Ig Explore PageThe 4 Easiest Ways to Reset Your Instagram Explore Page
See Who Shared Your Instagram PostFind Out Who Shared Your Instagram Posts & Reels to Stories
Log in to Instagram Without a Recovery Code4 Easy Ways to Login to Instagram Without a Recovery Code
Contact Instagram4 Quick Ways to Contact Instagram Support for Help
See Your Instagram Stalkers See Your Instagram Stalkers: Stories, Stats, & Apps
See Who Doesn't Follow You Back on Instagram Check Who Doesn't Follow You Back on Instagram
Find Drafts on InstagramWhere to Find Instagram Drafts on Android, iPhone, & iPad
Instagram Reels Not Working11 Ways to Fix Instagram Reels Not Working
Why Won't Instagram Let Me PostWhy Instagram Won't Let You Post: 12 Reasons & Quick Fixes
Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about Instagram accounts, check out our in-depth interview with Kasey Dunn.

About This Article

Kasey Dunn
Co-authored by:
Social Media Expert
This article was co-authored by Kasey Dunn and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. 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. This article has been viewed 110,510 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 6
Updated: October 12, 2024
Views: 110,510
Categories: Instagram
Article SummaryX

1. Go to https://help.instagram.com/contact/636276399721841.
2. Fill out the form.
3. Take a photo of yourself with ID.
4. Upload the photo.
5. Submit the report.

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 110,510 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement