PanicStation.org
UK USA
us 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 facebook account of me • fake instagram account of me • fake snapchat account of me • fake tiktok account of me • sextortion fear • intimate image abuse concern • online harassment impersonation • someone messaging my contacts as me • 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

Protect yourself first: lock down your real accounts and report the impersonating account to the platform for removal. If threats, blackmail, or sexual images are involved, get specialist help and consider making an official report.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t engage with the impersonator or try to “talk them down.”
  • Don’t send intimate images, money, gift cards, or personal documents to make it stop.
  • Don’t panic-post a public accusation while you’re flooded (it can spread the harm).
  • Don’t wipe everything without saving a minimal record first (if you can tolerate it).
  • Don’t blame yourself. Sexualized impersonation is a coercive tactic meant to shame and isolate you.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause first. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re safe, move to the next steps without confronting anyone.
  2. Secure your accounts (start with email).
    • Change your primary email password first.
    • Change passwords on the platform(s) being impersonated.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).
    • Check your account security pages for unknown logins/devices and sign them out.
  3. Report the impersonation to the platform right away.
    • Use the platform’s impersonation / pretending to be someone reporting flow.
    • Ask a few trusted people who received messages to report the account too.
  4. Contain the spread with a short message to key contacts.
    • “Someone is impersonating me and sending explicit messages. Please don’t reply or click links. Report the account. If you’re unsure, verify with me through a different channel.”
    • If this affects your workplace, tell one trusted person (HR/supervisor) so you have support and a record on your side.
    • If you’re a student in the U.S., your school’s student conduct office and/or Title IX office may be an option for support and documentation.
  5. Make a minimal record (only what you can handle).
    • Save a couple of screenshots showing the account/profile and a sample message, plus the username/handle and date/time. Avoid clicking unknown links; use the platform’s report flow where possible.
  6. If there’s blackmail, threats, or money involved, consider an official cybercrime report.
    • File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). To avoid lookalike portals, go directly to ic3.gov.
  7. If you suspect identity theft beyond social media, start the federal identity-theft process.
    • If your personal information may be misused (SSN, bank info, accounts), use IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan and documentation.
  8. If a minor is involved, treat it as urgent safeguarding.
    • If you are under 18, or the impersonation involves a minor’s sexual content, involve a trusted adult immediately and use child-safety reporting routes (don’t try to manage it alone).

What can wait

  • You don’t need to “solve” who did it today.
  • You don’t need to read every message they sent or respond to every person immediately.
  • You don’t need to decide right now whether to go public, hire a lawyer, or press charges. First: secure → report → contain → support.

Important reassurance

This kind of impersonation can feel violating and humiliating even if you did nothing. Your nervous system may go into panic mode because it’s social and sexual harm at once. Taking calm, contained actions is a strong response—and it’s enough for the next hour.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to stabilise the situation and reduce spread. If the impersonation continues, escalates, or impacts your safety, you may need more tailored help from the platform, your school/work, or law enforcement.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you feel at risk of self-harm or can’t stay safe, seek urgent help right now (ER/911 or your local crisis line).

Additional Resources
Support us