Identity scam guide
Social media impersonation
Social impersonation uses copied photos, names, bios, and friend networks to request money, sell fake products, spread scams, or damage reputation. Capture the fake profile URL before it changes.
Risk signal
Profile clone
Severity
medium
Group
Identity
Common identifiers
Add identifiers that can be matched safely across reports, profiles, payments, and evidence without exposing unnecessary private data.
Profile URL
Use the exact profile url shown by the scammer so CheckKaroo can link repeat signals and avoid weak matches.
Username
Use the exact username shown by the scammer so CheckKaroo can link repeat signals and avoid weak matches.
Phone number
Use the exact phone number shown by the scammer so CheckKaroo can link repeat signals and avoid weak matches.
Payment handle
Use the exact payment handle shown by the scammer so CheckKaroo can link repeat signals and avoid weak matches.
Evidence to preserve
Keep proof in original form where possible. Screenshots help, but transaction IDs, URLs, timestamps, and chat context make moderation stronger.
Fake profile screenshots
Capture fake profile screenshots with date, time, sender, URL, or transaction context visible where possible.
Original profile comparison
Capture original profile comparison with date, time, sender, URL, or transaction context visible where possible.
Messages
Capture messages with date, time, sender, URL, or transaction context visible where possible.
Payment requests
Capture payment requests with date, time, sender, URL, or transaction context visible where possible.
First response
These steps reduce further loss and keep your report useful for review, banking escalation, platform reporting, and official complaints.
Report the platform account
Do this early: report the platform account helps reduce repeat contact, preserve proof, and keep escalation options open.
Warn contacts
Do this early: warn contacts helps reduce repeat contact, preserve proof, and keep escalation options open.
Preserve profile URLs
Do this early: preserve profile urls helps reduce repeat contact, preserve proof, and keep escalation options open.
Urgent money loss
If money was recently transferred, call 1930 first and raise a bank or payment-app dispute. Speed matters for fund-freeze attempts.
Privacy boundary
Do not upload OTPs, passwords, full card numbers, full Aadhaar, private documents, or unrelated intimate media. Use masked, relevant evidence whenever possible.
Related categories
Similar fraud patterns
Duplicate identity
Fake identity fraud
Stolen, synthetic, or false identities used to bypass trust and verification.
Known contact spoof
WhatsApp impersonation
Fake WhatsApp accounts pretending to be family, bosses, friends, officials, or support teams.
Synthetic media
Deepfake impersonation
AI-generated voice, video, or images used to impersonate real people or create false trust.