Someone is using my photos on a fake profile. What do I do?
Report the profile to the platform as impersonation – all major apps have this option and usually remove such accounts – and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in, with screenshots. Tell your friends and family so they do not trust messages from the fake account.
Fake profiles with real people's photos are used for romance scams, for harassment and sometimes for sextortion. You are not responsible for what the scammer does, but acting fast limits the damage. Keep the evidence even after the account is removed – the scammer may create a new one.
Step by step
- Take screenshots of the fake profile, its URL or username, and any messages it has sent.
- Report it inside the app as impersonation ("pretending to be me").
- Post a short warning on your own accounts so your contacts know.
- File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in; if someone was cheated using your photos, mention that.
- Make your own accounts private and remove old public photos that are easy to steal.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I get into trouble if a scammer cheated someone with my photos?
- No. The victim and the police may contact you, but you are a victim too. Your evidence helps the case.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you are talking to? Veritaza checks the photos, messages, mobile number, email ID, name and ID card, for ₹289.
Verify a person