Report Impersonation on LinkedIn, X & Email

This guide walks you through reporting a fake or impersonating account on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and via email. You’ll learn the exact steps to file a report on each platform, what information to gather first, and how to escalate if the initial report doesn’t resolve the issue. The goal is to get the impostor account removed and protect your identity.

What You’ll Need

• The URL or profile link of the impersonating account (copy it from the browser address bar or the app’s share menu).
• Screenshots of the fake profile, posts, or messages that show impersonation.
• Your own account credentials if you’re reporting from your logged-in account (usually required to submit a report).
• For email impersonation: the full email headers of the suspicious email (instructions below).
• An email address you can be reached at for follow-up.

Step-by-Step

Report on LinkedIn

1. Go to the impersonating profile. If you’re logged in, click the “More” button (three dots) on the profile’s top right.
2. Select “Report/Block” from the dropdown.
3. Choose “Report this profile” and then select “Pretending to be someone else.”
4. Follow the prompts to specify who they’re impersonating (you, a colleague, a public figure, etc.).
5. Provide any additional context in the text box (e.g., “This account uses my name and photo and is messaging my connections”).
6. Submit the report. LinkedIn typically reviews within 24-48 hours and may ask for more info.

Report on X (Twitter)

1. Open the impersonating profile on X.
2. Click the “More” (three dots) icon next to the Follow button.
3. Select “Report” and then choose “It’s suspicious or spam.”
4. Pick “They’re pretending to be me or someone else.”
5. Follow the prompts to confirm the impersonated account. You may need to verify your identity by entering your own handle or email.
6. Submit the report. X sends a confirmation email and you can track the case status in the “Report a problem” section of your settings.

Report via Email (for phishing or fake email addresses)

1. If you received an email from someone impersonating you or your company, do not reply. Instead, forward the email as an attachment to the real organization’s abuse team. For example, if it’s a Gmail impersonation, forward to reportphishing@google.com. For Outlook, use abuse@outlook.com. For a company, check their website for a security contact.
2. To forward as an attachment: in Gmail, open the email, click the three-dot menu, and select “Forward as attachment.” In Outlook, click the three-dots and choose “Forward as attachment” or drag the email into the new message window.
3. Include a brief note explaining that the email is impersonating you or your organization.
4. If the email is a phishing attempt to steal your credentials, also forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
5. If the impersonation involves your domain (e.g., fake emails from your company’s domain), contact your IT department and your domain registrar to secure your domain settings.

Common Mistakes

• Not gathering evidence first. Screenshots and URLs are crucial; without them, the report may be rejected.
• Reporting from an account that isn’t logged in. Most platforms require you to be signed in to file a report.
• Choosing the wrong report category. Pick “impersonation” specifically, not “spam” or “harassment,” as those go to different queues.
• Deleting the fake account’s messages or posts before taking screenshots. Once deleted, you lose the evidence.
• Engaging with the impersonator. Do not message them or warn them; just report.

Tips

• Use the platform’s mobile app if the web version is confusing; the report flow is often more streamlined.
• If you’re reporting on behalf of a public figure or brand, use the “Public figure” or “Brand” impersonation option if available—it’s handled by a dedicated team.
• Check the impersonator’s profile for a blue checkmark or other verification badges. If they’re using a verified badge without authorization, mention that in the report.
• After reporting, document the date and time of your report and keep the confirmation email.
• If the impersonator is using your name and photo to scam people, consider posting a public notice on your own accounts to warn your network.

Troubleshooting

• Report was rejected: Re-read the platform’s impersonation policy. Often they require the impersonated person to file the report themselves (not a friend or colleague). If you’re not the victim, ask the victim to file the report.
• No response after several days: Follow up by submitting a new report with additional evidence, or use the platform’s support email (e.g., linkedin.com/help for LinkedIn, help.twitter.com for X).
• Impersonator keeps creating new accounts: Report each new account individually, and consider locking down your own privacy settings (e.g., hide your connections list on LinkedIn) to make it harder for them to copy your network.
• Email impersonation continues: If someone is sending emails from a lookalike domain (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.co instead of .com), contact your domain provider to see if you can claim the similar domain. Also, set up SPF/DKIM/DMARC records to prevent spoofing.
• You’re locked out of your own account: If the impersonator has taken over your account, use the platform’s account recovery process immediately (e.g., “Forgot password” or “Account recovery”). Do not create a new account until you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report an impersonator without having an account on the platform?

Usually no. LinkedIn and X require you to be logged in to file a report. If you don’t have an account, you can create a temporary one just to report, or ask someone who is logged in to submit the report on your behalf (though the platform may still ask for the victim’s identity).

How long does it take for a platform to remove an impersonating account?

It varies. LinkedIn typically responds within 24-48 hours; X can take a few days. If the impersonation is severe (e.g., financial fraud), the platform may act faster, but there’s no guaranteed timeline.

What if the impersonator is using my photos but a different name?

That still counts as impersonation if they’re using your likeness to deceive others. Report it as “Pretending to be someone else” and explain that they are using your photos without permission.

Can I report an impersonation that happened via email but not on a social platform?

Yes. Forward the phishing email to the appropriate abuse team (e.g., Google, Microsoft) and to the Anti-Phishing Working Group. You can also report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov if it’s a scam.

Should I contact the police if someone is impersonating me?

If the impersonation involves threats, extortion, or financial fraud, you may consider filing a police report. For simple social media impersonation, platform reports are usually sufficient.

What if the impersonator is a bot or parody account?

Parody accounts are allowed if clearly labeled as such. If it’s not labeled, report it as impersonation. Bots that impersonate real people also violate terms and can be reported under “suspicious or spam.”

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