Short answer
If someone impersonates you on X, save the fake profile's link and screenshots, report it through X's impersonation report form (you may need to confirm your identity), tell your followers which account is really yours, and block the copycat. X's misleading and deceptive identities policy prohibits accounts that pose as someone else in a confusing or deceptive way.
Key takeaways
- Parody, commentary and fan accounts are allowed if they make clear they aren't the real person.
- Report through the dedicated impersonation form, not just the general report menu.
- Brands may need to show they are authorized to act for the company.
- A pinned post pointing to your real account helps followers spot fakes.
How do I confirm it's really impersonating me?
Compare the handle, the photos and the bio with yours, and check whether it's contacting people you know.
Impersonators pick handles a character or two off yours: an extra underscore, a swapped letter, a number tacked on. The profile lookup flags common copycat patterns and builds a search for posts mentioning the account so you can see who it's been talking to. Take screenshots of the profile, its posts and any messages it sent your followers.
How do I report an impersonation account?
Use X's impersonation report form, or the Report option on the fake profile and choose impersonation.
X asks whether you are the person being impersonated or acting for them. Depending on the case, you may need to confirm your identity; brands and organizations may need to show they're authorized to act for the company. Include the fake account's link and a short explanation. The block, mute or report helper writes a summary you can paste in.
How do I warn my followers?
Post from your real account, pin it and keep it short.
Something like: "There's a fake account copying this profile. This is my only account. I will never DM you asking for money or passwords." Avoid tagging the fake account; that only sends it traffic. Ask followers to report it if it contacts them.
How do I make my real account easier to recognize?
Link it from places people already trust.
Put your X handle on your website, your other social profiles and your email signature. Keep a consistent profile photo across platforms. If you're a public figure or brand, consistency makes it easier for followers and for X's reviewers to tell which account is real.
What if the impersonation is part of harassment?
Treat it as harassment as well.
If the fake account posts things to embarrass you, shares your private information or targets people you know, report those posts under the matching categories too. See the reporting guide. If it involves threats or fraud, keep your evidence and contact the police.
Questions people ask
Is a parody account impersonation?
Not if it makes clear it's a parody. X expects parody, commentary and fan accounts to say so, for example in the name and bio. An account that copies you to mislead people is impersonation.
Can I report impersonation of a friend?
You can flag it, but X may need the person being impersonated, or someone authorized to represent them, to complete the report. Let your friend know so they can file it.
Someone made an account with my name but different photos. Is that impersonation?
Sharing a name with someone isn't against the rules. It becomes impersonation when the account pretends to be you, for example by using your photos, bio or details to make people think it's you.
What if the fake account is messaging my followers for money?
Report it, post a warning from your real account, and tell followers you'll never ask for money or login details by DM. Ask anyone who was contacted to report the account too.