Short answer
Open the fake profile, choose Report profile from the options below the cover photo, pick pretending to be someone → me, and follow the prompts; impostor profiles can also be reported in Messenger. No account, or blocked by the impostor? Use Facebook’s impostor account form: you give the fake profile’s name and link and a photo of your ID. Facebook says it can only act on these reports from the person being impersonated or their authorised representative (for example a parent). For a fake Page of a public figure there is a separate form.
Before you report
- Copy the fake profile’s link (URL) — a friend can send it if you are blocked.
- Take screenshots of the profile and of any messages it sent.
- Warn friends not to accept requests or send money, and ask them to report it too.
Report it in the app
- Go to the profile and open the options below the cover photo.
- Choose Report profile → pretending to be someone → Me.
- Follow the prompts. You can also report an impostor from a Messenger conversation.
The impostor form (no account or blocked)
- Use Facebook’s form for reporting an impostor account.
- It asks for the fake profile’s full name and link, the email or phone number if visible, and a photo of your ID.
- Facebook says it may encrypt and store your ID for up to a year to improve its fake-ID detection; you can change this in your identity confirmation settings.
- Only the person impersonated, or their authorised representative, can file it. If a friend is impersonated, they need to report it themselves.
Fake Pages and public figures
A fake Page posing as a public figure, celebrity or politician has its own impostor Page form; it is not for personal profiles. For fake ads using your face, see scam ads using your face.
If it isn’t removed
- Report again if new posts or messages appear, and keep the evidence.
- If the impostor is scamming people, report it to the police too: report online fraud by country.
- Our account removal service prepares impersonation reports for Meta platforms through official channels. Same problem elsewhere: Instagram, TikTok.
Frequently asked questions
Can I report a fake Facebook profile without an account?
Yes. Use Facebook’s impostor account form with the fake profile’s link and a photo of your ID.
Can I report a profile pretending to be my friend?
You can flag it in the app, but Facebook says it can only act on impersonation reports from the person impersonated or their authorised representative — so ask your friend to report it too.
Why does Facebook want my ID?
To confirm you are the person being impersonated. Facebook says it may store the ID encrypted for up to a year to improve fake-ID detection.
How long does removal take?
Facebook doesn’t publish a fixed time. Clear evidence — the profile link and screenshots — helps.
Sources: Facebook Help — report a profile pretending to be you, Facebook — report an impostor account, Facebook — report an impostor Page of a public figure