Hunter Storm ™

“You Never Lose When You Lose Fake Friends.” – Joan Jett

Fake friend impersonator accounts are everywhere these days. Sometimes, bad actors take over real accounts, forcing friends and family to start fresh. Other times, scammers create entirely new profiles pretending to be someone we know. The problem? Most of us don’t realize it’s happening until it’s too late.

These fake accounts aren’t just annoying. They’re often used to scam people out of money or personal info. Here’s how to spot and shut them down fast.

These impersonation accounts are a sneaky form of social engineering, but don’t worry! Here’s a quick, easy guide to spotting and handling them—no fear, just facts.

How to Spot and Handle Fake Accounts

• Know how your friends communicate. Pay attention to their usual style, tone, and the types of things they say. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.
• Ask a simple question. A casual “How was your day?” can tell you a lot. If the response seems generic or out of character, dig a little deeper.
• Use trick questions. Ask about something that never happened—like “Hey, remember that wild road trip we took last year?” If the person agrees or fumbles, it’s likely a fake. A real friend will correct you immediately.

What to Do If You Spot an Imposter

• Screenshot everything. Save messages as proof, both online and offline.
• Report the account. Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) have options to flag impersonators.
• Make a police report (only if there’s a threat). If the impersonator is trying to scam, harass, or manipulate, reporting it can help protect others.
• Block them. Don’t engage. Block them on that account—and be mindful of potential future fake accounts.
• Stay secure, but don’t stress. Take the right precautions for your situation, then move on. You’ve got better things to do than worry about internet scammers!