Published by the Zolyp team ·
What can you report as impersonation?
Instagram says you can only report an account for impersonating someone or something, not for misrepresenting itself. Reports are anonymous, except for intellectual property reports.
- An account pretending to be you
- An account pretending to be someone you follow
- An account pretending to be a celebrity or public figure
- An account pretending to be a business or organisation
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Report an account for impersonation, checked 15 October 2026
How do you report an impersonation account in the app?
The account you report won't see who reported it.
- Go to the account's profile by tapping its username, or search for it.
- Tap Options in the top right of the profile.
- Tap Report, then Something about this account.
- Tap They're pretending to be someone else.
- Select the type of impersonation and follow the on-screen instructions.
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Report an account for impersonation, checked 15 October 2026
What if you don't have an Instagram account?
Use Instagram's impersonation form. It asks whether someone is pretending to be you or a friend, or someone you represent. Instagram says to provide all the requested information, including a photo of your government-issued ID.
If the fake account has taken over your real one, use the hacked account steps instead.
Sources: Instagram Help Centre: Report an impersonation account on Instagram or Threads (form), checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: Report an account that's impersonating you on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026
What if a customer or colleague is being impersonated?
Instagram only acts on reports from the person being impersonated or their representative. If someone you know is affected, contact them by email, phone or direct message and encourage them to report it.
Sources: Instagram Help Centre: What to do if someone you know is being impersonated on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: Report an account that's impersonating you on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026
When should you use a trademark report instead?
- When an account uses your registered brand name or logo in a way that infringes your trademark
- Only the trademark owner or an authorised representative can file
- Instagram regularly shares the rights owner's name, your email address and the report details with the person reported, so use a business email
- Instagram can't settle disputes needing in-depth trademark analysis; those may need the courts
- Instagram suggests messaging the person first, as you may resolve it directly
- Its Brand Rights Protection tool lets rights holders find and report trademark, copyright and counterfeit content
Source: Instagram Help Centre: How to report trademark infringement on Instagram or Threads, checked 15 October 2026
Why is the fake account still there?
Instagram says it also looks for impostors itself, using automated systems and community reports, and offers an impersonation protection benefit to Meta Verified subscribers. Our advice: pin a post or story telling customers your one official handle while you wait.
- You reported someone else's impersonation. Only the person impersonated or their representative can report it
- The account isn't copying anyone. Instagram can't act on accounts that only misrepresent themselves
- Your report was missing information. Include everything the form asks for, including your ID photo
- It's a trademark dispute. Use the trademark route, or the courts for complex cases
Sources: Instagram Help Centre: Report an account that's impersonating you on Instagram, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: Report an account for impersonation, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: How to report trademark infringement on Instagram or Threads, checked 15 October 2026; Instagram Help Centre: How Instagram proactively combats impersonation, checked 15 October 2026
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Common questions
Can I report a fake account pretending to be my business?
Yes. Instagram lists a business or organisation as one of the things you can report an impostor account for, from the account's profile.
Will the fake account know I reported it?
No. Impersonation reports are anonymous. Intellectual property reports are different and usually share your details with the person reported.
Do I need ID to report impersonation?
If you use Instagram's form, it asks for a photo of your government-issued ID along with the other requested information.
Can I report impersonation for a friend?
Only if you're authorised to represent them. Otherwise, encourage them to report it themselves.
Does Meta Verified help with impersonation?
Instagram says Meta Verified subscribers get an impersonation protection benefit.