How to Recognize Fake Instagram Accounts

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Getting a new follower on Instagram is an awesome feeling, especially if you’re trying to grow your account. However, sometimes you might be followed by fake accounts, which won't do much for your engagement and could even cause problems for you and your followers. Don't worry though—we've put together a list of some of the biggest red flags you should keep an eye out for when you're trying to tell if an Instagram account is fake or not.

1

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-1.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A legit account would want people to know who they are so their friends and family members can find them. [1]
    • This could also be a friend that just hasn’t had time to add a profile pic, but it’s unlikely.
    2. Advertisement
2

They have zero following and zero followers.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-2.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the account hasn’t followed anyone or doesn’t have any followers, it’s most likely fake. [2]
    • Bots usually use accounts like these to promote spam links in their bios. If you come across a profile like this, don’t click any links.
3

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-3.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you come across an account that hasn’t posted anything yet, it’s probably a bot. [3]
    • Even if the profile is private, you can check their post number by looking at the top of their profile.
    • You should also look out for accounts that used to post a lot but don’t anymore. If they’ve been inactive for a while, they could be fake.
    2. Advertisement
4

They leave generic comments on your posts.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-4.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If they comment “great post!” or “nice shot!” on a lot of your pictures in rapid succession, they might be fake. [4]
    • However, this could also be an influencer trying to gain a new follower. If you check out their profile and don’t see any other red flags, they’re probably a real person.
5

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-5.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can run their images through a reverse Google search ; if the photos pop up somewhere else, it likely means the account is fake. [5]
    2. Advertisement
6

They’re following a suspiciously high number of accounts.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-6.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you notice a huge discrepancy between their following number and their followers, there’s a chance that their account is fake. [6]
    • This isn’t always the case, since some real accounts use the same tactic to up their followers, too. However, it can be a good jumping off point to start with.
7

It’s a brand new account.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-7.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Scroll down to the bottom of the profile and check the date of the first post. If it’s not more than a few days old, there’s a good chance the account is fake. [7]
    • If the account is private, you won’t be able to scroll and see their posts until they accept your following request.
    • If the account has 0 posts, that’s a good indication that they’re fake, too.
    2. Advertisement
8

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-8.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If their following is in the thousands but they only get a few likes or comments per post, they may have a fake profile. [8]
    • This could also indicate a real person using fake followers to up their numbers.
    • You can also check out their followers to see if they look real or not. If a lot of their followers are inactive, don’t have profile photos, or have super generic names, it’s a good indication that the followers are fake (so the account might be too).
9

They post pictures of different people.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-9.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If all the photos on their account are of different people (usually attractive women who might look similar but not identical), the account is fake. [9]
    • Accounts like these are usually spam accounts trying to get people to click the links in their bios.
    2. Advertisement
10

They’re offering discounts or sales.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-10.jpg\/aid12370831-v4-728px-Recognize-Fake-Instagram-Accounts-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If a profile ever wants you to click a link for a discounted item, it’s most likely fake. [10]
    • The most common account like this is one selling discounted Ray Bans. You might also see accounts like these on Twitter and Facebook .
    • Never give your credit card info to an Instagram account.

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can you do if someone's pretending to be you on Instagram?
    Kasey Dunn
    Social Media Expert
    Kasey Dunn is a Social Media Expert and the Senior Social Media Manager for Golden Arrow PR in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With over five years of experience, she specializes in business development, marketing, and brand design. She earned her BA in Business Administration and Management from Mount St. Joseph University. She also holds a SEMRUSH for Digital Agencies Certification, an SEO for Social Media Certification, and a Social Media Marketing Strategy: TikTok and Instagram Reels Certification.
    Kasey Dunn
    Social Media Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can report them on the app by going to the fake account and selecting "Report Account."
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 27
  • Question
    How can I verify that I'm following a legit celebrity Instagram account?
    Community Answer
    There will usually be a verified icon (blue check) on their profile. If there isn't one, look at their posts and see if they look official or not. An official celebrity account's content will be personal and unique. They may talk directly to their audience and show daily photos of their personal life as well as upcoming events they are involved in. A fake (unofficial) account will either be blank, or the only photos/videos will be random or generic (that can be found on other sites) without descriptions. They may also act out-of-character such as randomly asking people for money (which is a scam).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
  • Question
    I did a Google image of this person, and it came up with no results. What would that mean?
    Community Answer
    It could just mean their profile photo is original and hasn't been uploaded anywhere else.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you want to screen your followers before letting them follow you, make your account private.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Viewing a Private Instagram Profile: Is it Possible?
      How to See Hidden Information on Facebook Marketplace: 2 Ways
      The Best Compliments to Leave on a Photographer’s Instagram
      14 Simple Solutions for Facebook Dating Not Showing Up
      How to Know if Someone Restricted You on Instagram
      Simple Ways to Listen to YouTube with the Screen Off: Android & iPhone
      Simple Ways to Unfollow on TikTok: Unfollowing Limits & Fixes
      How to
      Respond to Nudes
      How to Permanently Delete an OnlyFans Account
      What does "2 Man" Mean?
      Stop Facebook Friend Suggestions: Android, iPhone, PC, & Mac
      4 Easy Ways to Create Multiple Facebook Profiles
      Post Spotify Lyrics on Your Instagram Story: Step-by-Step
      Facebook Screenshot Notifications Explained: Posts, Messages, + More
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/dark-side-of-social-media-how-to-spot-fake-profiles/2219041/
      2. ↑ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/dark-side-of-social-media-how-to-spot-fake-profiles/2219041/
      3. ↑ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/dark-side-of-social-media-how-to-spot-fake-profiles/2219041/
      4. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-spot-fake-instagram-followers/
      5. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-spot-fake-instagram-followers/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=308&v=35370oKCves&feature=youtu.be
      7. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomward/2017/08/15/dont-get-catfished-by-fake-instagram-accounts/?sh=619d5fc1297c
      8. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomward/2017/08/15/dont-get-catfished-by-fake-instagram-accounts/?sh=619d5fc1297c
      9. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-spot-fake-instagram-followers/
      1. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-spot-fake-instagram-followers/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 256,029 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement