How-To
← All guidesSocial Media & Messaging

How to Spot a Fake Social Media Profile

Evaluate suspicious accounts before accepting requests or sending money/information.

Quick Answer

Check account history, posts, connections, inconsistencies, copied photos, urgency, and requests to move conversations or send money.

Step by Step

  1. Use the platform's official app or website and confirm you are signed into the intended account.
  2. Check account history, posts, connections, inconsistencies, copied photos, urgency, and requests to move conversations or send money.
  3. Review privacy, audience, recipient, or recovery settings before confirming important changes.
  4. For account-security problems, secure the associated email account and enable two-factor authentication when available.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Social-media menus and features change frequently and can differ by device, account type, region, and app version.
  • Do not send money, passwords, one-time verification codes, or sensitive personal information to an account merely because its name or photo looks familiar.