Instagram Fake Account

Option 1. If you have an Instagram account and you're reporting an account that's impersonating you

1. You can visit this Instagram webform and fill in the required information to request help from Instagram.
2. You can also report the fake account from the user's profile page within the Instagram app, but this method is less effective than the webform above. To use this method, follow the instructions in this Instagram article.

Option 2. If you don't have an Instagram account or if you're acting as an authorized representative on behalf of the person being impersonated

When you report an impersonation account, Instagram will ask you to provide documentation that proves you're the person you're claiming to be, such as a driver’s license or passport. Instagram has a list of acceptable IDs.

1. With ID in hand, complete this online form.
2. Provide as much detail as possible about the fake account that you are reporting.
   
3. Be sure to include the username of the account in question so that Instagram's team can review it effectively.
4. Once you've reported the fake account, Instagram will review the report and respond with an update. Keep in mind that Instagram may need more information from you to verify account ownership and confirm the account violates Instagram's community guidelines.

Not sure if you own the copyright?

Copyright law can get complicated but in most cases, if you took the photo or video yourself, you automatically own the copyright to it. There are some exceptions. For example, if the content was originally created through any pre-existing contractual work agreements, joint creative ventures, or signed releases. If you're not certain that you hold the legal copyright, do not submit the DMCA notice. Consider contacting a copyright attorney for guidance.

Risks

Reporting a copyright violation under the DMCA may require more or less effort than reporting impersonation, depending on the situation. But DMCA reports carry risks to your privacy, with your personal information sometimes being forwarded to the person you're reporting—including legal name, address, phone number, and email address. And if you misuse the process or make false claims in your report, this could be considered perjury under US law. You can be found legally and financially liable.

Get help

It is therefore recommended that you hire a professional to represent you in the DMCA reporting process. This can buffer you from unintended blowback and also shield your personal data from the offender. (We're working on a directory of service providers to make it easier for you to find and hire an individual or company to act as your authorized representative.)

Next

If you do decide to report the account for copyright violation in addition to impersonation:

• Follow the instructions our article titled Instagram DMCA.
• Or you can send a completed DMCA templated notice to Instagram via email: [email protected].
• See their Copyright info page for more contact methods and further reading.