How to Stop Impersonation Accounts From Scamming Your Followers

TRANSCRIPT

Introduction

Imagine waking up to hundreds of DMs from your followers saying they’ve been scammed by someone pretending to be you. As an influencer, impersonation is a real and growing threat to your business and reputation.

I’m Macy Colbert, an intake specialist at Minc Law, where we’ve helped influencers shut down impersonations, prevent scams, and protect their reputations. My job is to be the first responder for people experiencing issues like these.

In this video, I’ll answer some of the most common questions callers ask when they’re faced with impersonation accounts. You’ll learn the telltale signs of influencer impersonation, how to respond to them, and proactive measures to safeguard your online identity.

Let’s get started.

Identifying Impersonation Accounts

As an influencer, you’ll encounter harmless fan accounts that love following and reposting your content. However, there’s a difference between flattering fan accounts and malicious impersonators.

Spotting Impersonation Accounts

Here are some red flags to look for:

• A very similar username to your own
• Use of your name or profile picture
• A blank or generic bio
• A link to an unfamiliar website
• A brand new account with very few followers and posts

The real issues arise when these accounts start promoting false advertisements, phishing, or leaking content you keep behind a paywall.

Legitimate Fan Accounts

Fan accounts should:

• Have a disclaimer in their bio indicating they’re a fan account
• Credit you for your work
• Be willing to cooperate with you if issues arise
• Never be deceitful, defamatory, or solicit services in your name

Responding to Impersonation Accounts

Now that you’ve identified an impersonation account, here’s how to respond:

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Take screenshots and URL links to the account to stay organized. Page Vault is a great tool for documenting evidence, which will be necessary for reporting and any legal action.

Step 2: Report the Account

Next, report the user to the platform for “pretending to be you.” Most platforms have a straightforward way to report these accounts, as impersonation violates their Terms of Service.

Step 3: Be Transparent with Your Followers

Impersonation accounts are often created to scam people, with common scams including:

• Phishing through malicious links
• Sextortion scams

Warn your followers about the threat, asking them not to interact with the fake account and to report it. The more reports, the more likely the account will be taken down. Be genuine and upfront with your followers to build trust, and handle the issue transparently.

Securing Your Online Identity

While switching your account to private may not be an option when trying to reach a broad audience, there are other ways to secure your identity online.

Strengthening Security

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
• Strong passwords: Use passphrases that are difficult to guess and update them regularly to prevent hackers from accessing your account.

Legal Action Against Impersonators

Impersonators are not above the law. Depending on where you live, there are several civil actions you can pursue as an influencer.

DMCA Takedowns

Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), you have control over where your copyrighted material is shared. Our attorneys use DMCA takedowns to notify platforms and users that they’re infringing on your rights, compelling them to delete the content.

Cease and Desist Letters

A civil attorney can also send a cease and desist letter to the individual, demanding they delete the content before legal measures are taken.

Our attorneys have experience with this nuanced area of law and can help guide you every step of the way.

Proactive Measures Against Impersonation Accounts

We always recommend being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to your online security.

Monitor Your Online Presence

• Google yourself: Regularly search your name and business to spot any issues.
• Digital monitoring services: Consider investing in a Digital Risk Protection (DRP) service to monitor mentions of your name, business, and photos around the clock. This can help prevent leaks, protect against doxing, and combat hackers and impersonators.

You can learn more about our DRP services in the description or visit DRP.MincLaw.com.

Staying Ahead in the Age of AI

With AI making it easier to create convincing fakes, consistent monitoring is crucial to prevent harm. If you’re effectively monitoring, you can act quickly before damage is done.

Branding Strategies to Deter Impersonation

Your success as an influencer means you know how to stand out, and this helps make your content more difficult to convincingly impersonate.

Visual and Language Consistency

• Keep your brand visually consistent: Use the same fonts, colors, logos, and photos across all your platforms. This makes it easier to spot fake accounts that can’t replicate your style.
• Language consistency: Use the same catchphrases, captions, and hashtags.

Watermarking Your Content

Watermarking is one of the best deterrents because it clearly marks your content as your own, making it easier to search for leaks.

Getting Verified

Get verified on social media platforms so your followers know you’re the real deal. This is a straightforward way to build trust with your audience.

Legal Protections Through Trademarking

Consider trademarking elements of your brand to gain additional legal protections. Having your content registered makes it easier to take legal action against thieves and impersonators.

Conclusion

Impersonation accounts can be a serious threat, but you can take action. If you’re dealing with impersonations or other internet issues threatening your reputation and livelihood, the attorneys at Minc Law are ready to fight for you.

We’ll help you gather evidence, file necessary legal takedown notices, and pursue all available remedies to recover damages and hold bad actors accountable.

You’ve worked hard to build your brand, so don’t let a scammer tear it down. Visit MincLaw.com and schedule your free case evaluation today.

You can call the number on the screen to speak with our intake team (that’s me), or explain your situation through our contact form or live chat.

I’m Macy Colbert from Minc Law, and I’ll see you in the next video.

END OF TRANSCRIPT