How to report a fake LinkedIn account that's pretending to be you
Someone made a LinkedIn profile with your name, your photo or your work history. Anyone can report it, and you don't need an account to do it.
First, before you report
Don't message the fake. Don't comment, tag it or argue. It tips them off, they block you or change the name, and your proof goes with it.
- Copy the fake account's link, not just its name. Names change; the link is harder to hide.
- Take dated screenshots: the profile, a few posts, and any messages it sent people. Ask followers who got messages to screenshot them for you.
- Post from your real account: "This is my only account. If 'I' message you asking for money, it isn't me. Please report it."
Report it in the app
- Open the fake profile.
- Tap More (⋯) on the profile.
- Tap Report or block (on a computer, Report / Block).
- Choose to report the whole account.
- Choose This person is impersonating someone, then Submit report.
Coworkers and clients can report it the same way; it doesn't have to come from you. LinkedIn's steps: Report fake profiles.
Not on LinkedIn? Report as a guest
Open the fake profile in a web browser, tap More, then Report, then Continue as Guest. The short form asks for the reason, the profile link, your name and your email. LinkedIn doesn't ask for an ID for these reports.
What to put in the report
- The fake account's link, and the link to your real account.
- What it copies: your name, your photo, your posts, your business name.
- What it's doing, in one line: "messaging my followers asking for deposits."
- The date you found it.
If it copied your posts or photos
If it copied your posts, articles or photos, the owner (or someone authorized) can file LinkedIn's copyright form.
What happens next
The fake won't see who reported it. LinkedIn says it acts when a profile breaks its rules, but it doesn't give a time frame or promise a reply.
Still up after a week? Report it again with any new screenshots, and ask a few people who know you to report it too. If anyone sent the fake money, they can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at ic3.gov.
Fake on another app too?
Not sure where else it is? The free 10-minute self-check searches your name, look-alike handles and your headshot.
Don't want to do this every month? Copycat Watch looks for fakes of you each month, fills in the reports, and files again if the fake is still up on day 7 and day 14. The first check is free.
This page links each platform's own help pages so you can find them. Headed In LLC isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any of them, and this isn't legal advice. Platforms change their menus; if a step doesn't match, the help page link has the current one.