How to report a fake X (Twitter) account that's pretending to be you
Someone made an X account (the app that used to be Twitter) with your name or your photos. Report it from the profile, or on X's impersonation form, which works even if you're not on X.
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 account's profile.
- Tap the ⋯ (more) icon.
- Tap Report.
- When it asks who the report is for, pick Myself.
- Answer the questions that follow (it's pretending to be you), and add a few of its posts if X asks for them.
Friends can report it from their own accounts too, picking Someone else. X allows parody, commentary and fan accounts only when they say so: a label, and words like "parody" or "fan" at the start of the name and in the bio. A copy of you with none of that isn't parody. X's steps: Report abusive behavior.
Not on X, or want a stronger report? Use the impersonation form
Pick Me or someone I am authorized to represent, then I am being impersonated. X first checks your government ID: you take photos of your ID and a selfie with your phone camera (X says it takes about 5 minutes). Then you give your email, the fake's @username, links to posts where it claims to be you, and any details. If you have your own X account, sign in to it first. Using a business or pen name that isn't on your ID? Upload proof that the name is yours.
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.
- Your ID photos and selfie only inside X's own form. X uses an ID company called Persona, which may keep them up to 30 days. Never send your ID to anyone who messages you, even someone who says they're from X.
If it copied your posts or photos
If the fake reposted your photos, videos or posts, the owner (or someone authorized) can file on X's copyright form (pick "I need to report possible copyright infringement"). X sends the account owner a full copy of the complaint, so your name goes with it.
What happens next
X says you'll see a message that it got your report within about 24 hours. It reviews the account and can do anything from a warning to a permanent suspension. It follows up if it needs more from you or when it takes action, and the posts you reported are hidden from you behind a notice. It doesn't give a time frame for the decision.
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.