An online impersonation occurs when someone creates an account or posts as if they were you on the internet.
Examples of Online Impersonation:
1. They could send messages from your account.
2. They can post pictures and information that you did not share.
3. They can use your identity to apply for a service.
4. They could have contact with your friends or coworkers.
An online impersonator does not always have to hack your personal accounts.
At times, the impersonator only needs to have access to your name, picture, or email address.
Signs of Online Impersonation
1. A friend or coworker contacts you about receiving an unusual message that they thought was from you.
2. You find a duplicate account on social media.
3. You receive email messages that are from you but that you did not write.
4. Someone informs you that your content is being used without permission.
Typically, the signs of impersonation will come from an outside source.
You will probably not notice it right away.
Concerns About Online Impersonation
Just because a hacker did not steal your password, does not mean that they will not impersonate you. The damage can come in many forms, including:
1. Damage to your personal reputation.
2. People tricked into giving sensitive information to an impersonator.
3. Victims of impersonation being subject to scams or harassment.
4. Impersonation will allow a fraudster to commit fraud in your name.
Ultimately, impersonation causes a person a sense of concern over their ability to maintain control over their own identity, for the longer it exists, the greater the risk to you.
How to Take Action Now
1. Make Sure You Have All Evidence
Be sure to document everything – including taking pictures of the fake profile and messages/posts as well as documenting all URLs and timestamps.
2. Report to the Service Provider
Many social networking sites and email providers have specific forms for reporting impersonation. Attach your documentation when filing your report.
3. Inform Friends and Others
Within your personal and professional network, make sure all contacts know that any unexpected communications should be treated as being potentially fraudulent. Spreading the word about this as quickly as possible will minimize the chance of further spreading of an impostor's identity
4. Review Your Own Social Networking Accounts
Be sure to review your safety procedures for all current social media accounts and update them, if necessary. Review the following items:
a) Change Your Passwords
b) Use 2-Step Verification
c) Monitor any odd or potential logins or attempted logins
5. Explore Legal Options
If you believe that the impersonator is acting fraudulently or causing you some kind of harm, you may want to contact your local law enforcement agency or regulatory body.
Methods Used by Impersonators
1. Creating accounts using your name, pictures, and email.
2. Copying the way you post things online or behave online.
3. Reaching out to your network and either making money or scamming you.
4. Waiting until you become aware of them to act more quickly.
Hacking is not involved.
Impersonators use publicly available information.
Ways To Protect Yourself Against Future Impersonation
1. Keep your personal life as private as possible.
2. Be careful what you post online and the pictures you use.
3. Use different names on your accounts that contain sensitive information.
4. Keep track of your name online by creating alerts or using search engines.
The less exposure you have through small, consistent actions, the better.
Important points to consider
1. Impersonating someone is more a matter of perception than necessarily hacking their account.
2. The sooner you do something about it, the less harm it will do to you.
3. First, take note of who and what happened, and let others know so they can be on guard.
4. You should keep your actual account safe by utilizing strong passwords and 2-factor authentication.
5. You need to continuously monitor your presence on the web.
Taking preventive measures is more helpful than worrying about the actual attack.
