How to report a fake YouTube account that's pretending to be you
Someone made a YouTube channel with your name, your face or your videos. You report it from the channel itself while signed in to a Google account, and a video that shows your face or an AI copy of you can also go in a privacy complaint.
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
- Sign in to YouTube (a computer is easiest; YouTube's help only lists these steps for a computer).
- Open the fake channel's page.
- Click …more in the channel description.
- Click Report user, then choose Report user again.
- Pick the reason that fits (it's pretending to be you), click Next, add a line of detail, and click Submit.
On a phone, open the channel in your web browser if the app doesn't show Report user. Reports are anonymous; the channel can't see who sent it. Friends can report it the same way. YouTube's steps: Report a channel.
A video uses your face, your name or an AI copy of you? File a privacy complaint
YouTube's privacy complaint covers videos that show your image or full name without your permission, and AI-made video or audio that looks or sounds like you. It has to come from you (or a parent, guardian or legal representative). YouTube may first give the uploader time to cut or blur that part; if it stays up, YouTube reviews your complaint.
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 own Google sign-in. YouTube's reports and forms run from your Google account; never give your password or a sign-in code to anyone who messages you, even someone who says they're from YouTube.
If it copied your posts or photos
If the fake reuploaded your videos, the owner (or someone authorized, like an attorney) can file a copyright removal request in YouTube Studio: Content detection, then New removal request. For things that aren't videos, like a copied channel banner, email it to copyright@youtube.com. YouTube shares some of your contact info with the uploader, and you can schedule the request to take effect in 7 days. YouTube's steps: Submit a copyright removal request.
What happens next
A report doesn't take the channel down by itself. YouTube reviews it, and says a channel set up to impersonate someone may be removed. It doesn't give a time frame.
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.