All incidents
Someone is impersonating me
You've discovered a fake profile, account, or message pretending to be you — often used to scam your friends, family, or contacts.
Do this now
- Report the fake profile or account to the platform it's on, using their impersonation reporting tool.
- Warn your close contacts directly (by phone or a trusted channel) that a fake account exists and not to trust messages from it.
Then do this
- Screenshot the fake profile before it's taken down, in case you need evidence later.
- Review your own account's privacy settings to limit how much public information was used to build the fake profile.
Check these things
- Is the fake account using your real photos and personal details?
- Has it already contacted anyone asking for money?
Don't do this
- Don't engage directly with the fake account.
- Don't assume contacts will automatically know it's fake — tell them clearly.
When should I get help?
- Report to the platform's official impersonation process.
- Consider reporting to the South African Police Service if it's being used for fraud.