What to do if…
a fake account is impersonating you and messaging people about your location or plans

What to do now

1. Create a safer pause.

   • Avoid going to a location mentioned by the account until you have had time to assess the situation.
   • Tell one trusted person where you are and ask them to stay available.
   • If you believe someone is on the way to confront you, you receive a threat that creates an immediate danger, or anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.

2. Save a record without replying.

   • Save the profile name, username, profile URL where possible, messages about your location or plans, and visible timestamps.
   • Use screenshots where it feels safe to do so.
   • If you think a screenshot could alert the account, use a trusted second device to photograph the screen instead.
   • Ask anyone who received messages to save a record before blocking the account.

3. Reduce information exposure.

   • Temporarily make relevant accounts private where the platform allows it.
   • Hide or remove recent posts, stories, or public details that reveal your location, plans, or routine.
   • Turn off location tagging for new posts where applicable.

4. Check account security.

   • If you think someone else may have access to your device or accounts, use a device you trust where possible.
   • If account compromise is possible, start with the email account used for account recovery.
   • Use a new, unique password and turn on multi-factor authentication.
   • Review signed-in devices, active sessions, and recovery details where available. Sign out devices you do not recognise.
   • Review your social-media and messaging accounts next.

5. Report the impersonating account through the platform.

   • Use the in-app report option or the platform’s official help page.
   • Choose the option for impersonation or an account pretending to be someone else.
   • Ask contacts who received messages to report and block the account after saving a record.
   • Use official app or help-centre routes rather than links sent in messages.

6. Warn contacts briefly.

   • Send one message from a channel you control:
     • “A fake account is impersonating me and messaging people. Please don’t reply or share information. Save a record, then report and block the account.”
   • Ask contacts not to share your current location or plans.

7. Consider a local report if the safety concern continues.

   • For immediate danger, call 911.
   • Otherwise, consider contacting your local police non-emergency number if the messages include threats, repeated unwanted contact, or details about where you are or plan to be.
   • Say that an impersonating account is messaging people about your location or plans and that you have saved messages and profile details.

8. Use a federal reporting route when it fits the situation.

   • Use IdentityTheft.gov if personal information has been misused or you are dealing with identity theft.
   • Consider filing an IC3 complaint for cyber-enabled crime, including an impersonation account used for scams or threats.
   • Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov if the account is asking people for money, personal information, or other scam-related action.