PanicStation.org
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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations someone is impersonating me • fake account looks like mine • explicit messages sent as me • sexual messages from my name • someone pretending to be me online • catfish using my photos • fake profile using my identity • account cloning • impersonation on social media • impersonation by messaging • explicit dms sent as me • fake whatsapp account of me • fake instagram account of me • fake snapchat account of me • deepfake sexual messages • intimate image abuse concern • online harassment impersonation • someone messaging my contacts as me • my friends received explicit messages • panic about fake sexual messages

What to do if…
someone is impersonating you by sending explicit messages from an account that looks like yours

Short answer

Pause and protect yourself first: secure your real accounts and report the impersonating account for takedown. Then get specialist support if you feel overwhelmed or unsafe.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t reply to the impersonator to “reason with them” or negotiate.
  • Don’t send more personal photos, ID documents, or “proof it’s you” to the impersonator.
  • Don’t post a heated public call-out while you’re panicking (it can spread the content and draw more attention).
  • Don’t wipe everything without saving a minimal record first (if you can tolerate it).
  • Don’t assume it’s your fault. Impersonation and sexual harassment tactics are designed to shock and destabilise.

What to do now

  1. Get to a calmer, safer pause (5 minutes). If you feel at risk of harm right now, call 999. If you’re safe, focus on the next practical steps only.
  2. Secure your real accounts (quick lockdown).
    • Change your main email password first (the email that resets everything else).
    • Then change passwords on the social platform(s) being mimicked.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever you can.
    • Check for “new login” alerts, unknown devices, or forwarding rules in email settings.
  3. Report the impersonation in-app and ask for removal.
    • Use the platform’s impersonation / pretending to be me report option.
    • If the account is messaging people, ask close contacts to report it too (multiple reports can help).
  4. Send a short, boring warning to key people (contain the spread).
    • Message a few close friends/colleagues: “Someone is impersonating me with explicit messages. Please don’t engage, don’t click links, and report the account. If you’re unsure, check with me directly.”
    • If this affects work/school, tell one trusted person (manager, HR, safeguarding lead) so you’re not carrying it alone.
  5. Make a minimal record (only what you can tolerate).
    • Save a couple of screenshots showing the profile/account name and a sample message, plus the username/handle and date/time. Avoid clicking unknown links; use the platform’s report flow where possible.
  6. Get specialist help for intimate-image/sexual harassment situations (optional but strongly recommended).
    • If any sexual images/videos are involved (real or manipulated), contact the Revenge Porn Helpline for confidential support and practical takedown help.
    • If you’re being threatened or blackmailed (for money, images, or silence), use police guidance on sextortion and consider reporting.
  7. Consider reporting to UK authorities (only if you want to).
    • If it’s cyber-enabled impersonation/fraud (and especially if money is involved), report via Report Fraud (which replaced Action Fraud) if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
    • If you live in Scotland, report via Police Scotland on 101 (unless it’s an emergency).
    • If there are threats, stalking, or immediate safety concerns, contact police (non-emergency 101; emergency 999).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to go public, confront anyone, or “prove” your innocence to everyone.
  • You do not need to gather exhaustive evidence or read every message they sent.
  • You do not need to work out who did it today. Focus on removal, containment, and your safety first.

Important reassurance

Feeling sick, shaky, furious, or frozen is a normal reaction to a sexualised impersonation. This situation is designed to hijack your attention and push you into rushed decisions. Taking calm, contained steps (lockdown → report → warn key people → support) is enough for now.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to stabilise the situation, reduce spread, and buy time. If this continues, escalates, or affects your work/home life, you may want more tailored support from the platform, a specialist helpline, or police.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you are under 18, involve a trusted adult and use child-safeguarding routes rather than handling it alone.

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