How to Know Who Made a Fake Instagram Account
With all the users on social media networks, it’s easy to see people using fake names and not knowing who the real person is behind the account. On Instagram, this is a big problem, especially when scammers use random photos, names, and details to look like real people and trick others.
So, how do you know who made a fake Instagram account, and how do you know who is behind the profile, especially if they use someone else’s photos? That’s what we’ll talk about in this detailed guide, where we’ll uncover the most efficient methods you can follow to get an idea of who’s behind that IG profile and what you can do to check their identity.
In many cases, the problem with finding people behind Instagram accounts is that there could be more than one person using the same name, fake details, and even the same photo. So, you must use a number of methods to uncover things behind the profile, like email lookup tools, photo search tools, their IP address, phone number, the registration date, and posting history. Also, there is their extended social media presence, location, and other details. But no matter what, there should be some details here and there that you can find by doing some detective work.
18 Ways to identify Instagram users
Before you go deep into hunting for the person behind an Instagram account, you need to know the basics and what you can collect using their public details. That means looking for the clues that expose some of their details, like their location, where they live, their habits, and maybe links to other profiles on other social networks.
1. Examine the username
Many users on Instagram like to create personal usernames with strangely combined words like their name and date of birth or first name, last name, and year of birth. That’s especially true among those who lack ideas or who are too young. Obviously, every social media network is a melting pot of users, and Instagram is no exception.
In fact, many people use their real, full name as the Instagram username, or a short version of it. Others use nicknames that only friends and relatives know. So, someone who uses the username Louie2002 might be a real person named “Louis,” born in 2002. These are just assumptions, but when you combine such valuable details with a photo and some posts with details about their city or where they live, things start becoming clear, and you can guess who they could be.
Also, when a user uses a pseudonym as a username, they might continue using that same username format on any other sites he or she has registered on. So if the profile looks suspicious, look for the same username on other platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, or dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. It’s highly possible that the person behind that Instagram account uses the same name for their other profiles, too.
Profile Who Is can help you identify the real person behind Instagram accounts; all you have to do is copy their handle and paste it in the search box. Next, validate and watch for the other profiles that same user owns online; After that, verify the list of profiles on social media, and that will give you a better understanding about who they are and what they do and even from where they're using Instagram, if possible, of course.
2. Inspect the profile picture
Profile pictures can reveal a lot about the person behind an Instagram account. Sometimes, it’s a clear photo of their face, which makes it easier to identify them or compare the face to other platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Other times, they might use a cartoon, logo, celebrity image, or random photo they got from the internet.
If the profile picture looks too polished or “perfect,” it might be taken from a stock photo site or another person’s profile. Someone using a stolen picture is a strong sign that they’re trying to hide their real identity. You can use reverse image search tools to see where else that photo exists online.
Also, pay attention to the quality and consistency of the photo. Does it match the other photos on the account? Does the background look similar to their surroundings in other posts? If things don’t match, it could be a fake or stolen picture designed to trick viewers into believing they’re someone they’re not.
Many tools can help you find people on social media by photo, so make sure you try that. Upload the exact Instagram profile photo and see who is behind it in the real world.
3. Analyze the followers and following list
One of the easiest ways to gather clues about who is behind an Instagram account is simply by checking who follows them and who they follow. People often follow friends, family members, classmates, coworkers, or people from their local area.
Start by looking at familiar names that appear in their follower or following list. If you recognize any names and already know those people, there’s a chance they know the person behind the fake account in real life. You can ask them privately if they know who that account belongs to.
Also, look for patterns: if most of the accounts they follow are from a specific city, country, or school, that can tell you something about where they’re from. If they interact a lot with just a small group of profiles (liking and commenting on each other’s posts), that can indicate a close circle of friends—and the person behind the fake account could be one of them.
Instagram users can review and remove fake followers, and if you see lots of them under someone's profile, that's a clear sign it's not a real person but a fake user or even a robot.
4. Look at their bio and linked accounts
Many Instagram users add details in their bio, like a short description of who they are, what they do, or where they live. Some also add links to other social media accounts, websites, or even their YouTube or TikTok channels. Even if those details seem minor, they can be used to identify the person.
For example, if their bio says “NYC | Marketing | Coffee Lover,” you already know their city, possible profession, and interests. Combine that with their photo, username, and comments, and you’ll have enough information to look them up elsewhere.
Bio links are especially powerful. If the Instagram account links to a Facebook profile, LinkedIn, personal website, or any other page, you may be able to find the person’s real name, job, or more detailed contact info there. Look carefully at those links and search for the username on the linked platforms.
5. Check their posts and story highlights
Every post, story, or highlight can reveal hidden information about the person behind an Instagram account. Look at the background in their photos: street signs, shop names, landmarks, license plates, or even local brands can tell you what city or country they’re in.
Also, read the captions carefully. Some people accidentally share personal details in their captions or comments, like their first name, age, or where they went to school. Sometimes they tag places or businesses, giving you clues about their neighborhood or daily routine.
Story highlights are even better because they’re often collections of personal moments. People save their trips, events, or daily life into highlight folders, which can show you where they’ve been, who they hang out with, and what kind of lifestyle they have. When you add up all these clues, it becomes easier to guess who might be behind the profile.
6. Look at comments and interactions
Pay attention to how the account interacts with other users. Who are they commenting on frequently? Do they use certain language, inside jokes, or nicknames that hint at their identity or social circle?
If they always talk to the same small group of people, those people might know who’s behind the account. You can also check whether they comment on local businesses, schools, or events, which can give you hints about their location or community.
Sometimes, the tone of their messages can also help. Does it sound like someone you know? Do they type the same way as a friend, classmate, or coworker? Some people have very specific writing styles, spelling mistakes, or expressions that make them easier to identify.
7. Use reverse image search
Reverse image search is one of the most powerful tools for uncovering who’s behind a fake Instagram account, especially if they’re using stolen photos. With a reverse image search, you upload a picture or paste its URL, and the tool finds where else that image appears on the internet.
You can use tools like Google Images or dedicated reverse image search services. Simply download the profile picture or one of their posts, then upload it to the image search tool. If the same person appears on other sites or social media platforms, you might find their true identity.
If the image belongs to a completely different person (like a model, influencer, or random person on another site), that’s clear proof that the Instagram user is using someone else’s identity—and likely hiding who they really are.
8. Check for consistency across platforms
People who create fake accounts don’t always pay attention to details. They might reuse the same username, profile picture, and bio on multiple platforms. That’s why it’s a good idea to search the Instagram username on Google, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter (X), and Facebook.
If you find the same username elsewhere, compare the profiles. Do any of them use a real name, email address, or location? Does one of the accounts look more “real” and older than the others? Usually, real accounts have a long history of activity, followers who look genuine, and more natural posts, while fake accounts look empty, new, or inconsistent.
9. Look for red flags of fake accounts
While trying to find out who made a fake Instagram account, you also need to be able to recognize the signs that the profile is not what it seems. Some common red flags include:
- Brand-new account with very few posts, but it’s already sending messages or asking for personal information.
- Stock-like photos that look too professional or unrelated to each other.
- Very few followers, but they follow hundreds or thousands of accounts.
- Generic or overly flirty comments on many profiles.
- Refusal to show their face on video or talk on a call.
- Asking for money, gift cards, or sensitive information.
When you see several of these signs together, there’s a high chance you’re dealing with a fake or scam account.
10. Use email or phone number (if available)
In some rare cases, users might share their email address, phone number, or other contact info in their bio, posts, or external links. If you can find any of these details, you can use people search tools or phone lookup services to find more information about them.
For example, reverse email lookup tools let you check if an email address is linked to any social media profiles, online accounts, or public records. Phone lookup tools can sometimes reveal the owner’s name, approximate location, and even related accounts. This is especially useful when the person pretends to be someone else but uses their real phone number for messaging or verification.
11. Ask people around you
Sometimes, the simplest way to find out who’s behind a fake Instagram account is to ask people who might know. If you suspect the account belongs to someone from your school, work, or community, ask your friends, classmates, or coworkers if they recognize the username or profile.
Many times, fake accounts are created by people who already know you and are trying to spy, bully, or play games from behind a screen. If the profile interacts only with a specific group of people you know, then that’s another sign the person behind it is not a stranger, but someone in your social circle.
12. Report the account to Instagram
If you strongly believe an account is fake, impersonating someone, or harassing you, the best step is to report it to Instagram. While this may not tell you exactly who is behind the account, it helps protect you and others from further harm.
To report an account:
- Go to the profile page.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select “Report.”
- Choose the reason, such as “It’s pretending to be someone else” or “It’s posting inappropriate content.”
Instagram may review the account and, if it violates their rules, suspend or remove it. This is especially important for accounts that are scamming, bullying, or threatening other users.
13. Try to stay calm and protect yourself
When dealing with fake Instagram accounts, especially if they’re targeting you, sharing your photos, or spreading lies, it’s easy to feel angry, anxious, or stressed. But it’s important to stay calm and not react in a way that could make things worse.
Avoid engaging in arguments publicly with the fake account. Don’t share personal information or emotional details in comments, as this might give them more power or satisfaction. Instead, focus on gathering evidence: screenshots, links, and details that you can use if you need to report the situation to Instagram, your school, your employer, or even the authorities in serious cases.
Remember, fake accounts rely on secrecy and anonymity. The more you carefully analyze their behavior, save evidence, and use the right tools, the closer you get to shutting them down or finding out who’s really behind them.
14. Check the posting history
Sometimes, looking at the way someone posts over time can give you more clues about who they are. For example, if most of their posts happened during a specific period—like after an argument or event in your life—it might be linked to someone involved in that situation.
Also, check if they suddenly stopped posting after a specific incident or after someone confronted them. Sometimes, people get scared and abandon their fake accounts once they feel exposed or suspect that someone is getting close to discovering who they are.
15. Look at the style of writing
Each person has a unique way of talking and writing, even online. That includes how they spell words, the emojis they use, their favorite phrases, and the type of jokes they make. If you suspect someone you know might be behind a fake Instagram account, compare the way they write messages from their real account (or in SMS, emails, or chats) to the style used on the fake profile.
For example, if the fake account always uses certain slang words, emojis, or makes jokes that sound exactly like someone you know, that could be a sign. While this is not 100% proof, it can help support your suspicion and guide you toward who might be behind the profile.
16. Check tagged photos and mentions
Even if the person behind the fake account is trying to hide their identity, they might still appear in tagged photos or comments from other users. Check if the account is tagged in any photos or posts, or if other users mention them by name or nickname in the comments.
Sometimes, people accidentally expose themselves when a friend tags them, or they like or comment on posts that reveal more about their real-life social circle. Paying attention to these small details can help you connect the dots and identify them.
17. Use advanced search tools
Besides basic searching on Google and social media, there are advanced people search tools and identity lookup services designed to collect scattered online information about a person. Some of these services can help you identify accounts connected to the same email, username, or phone number.
While not all of them are free, and they may have limitations, they can be useful when you’re dealing with someone who is actively trying to hide. These tools can sometimes reveal public records, other social media profiles, or older usernames that point to the same person.
18. Consider whether it’s worth finding out
While it’s natural to want to know who is behind a fake Instagram account, especially if they’re targeting you or someone you care about, it’s also important to ask yourself why you want to know and what you’ll do with that information.
In some situations, exposing the person can help you feel safer or stop the harassment. In other cases, it might escalate the situation, especially if they’re someone close to you who may react badly. Always prioritize your safety and well-being over the need to confront someone.
If the account is dangerous, threatening, or sharing your private photos or information, you should consider talking to someone you trust or even contacting local authorities, depending on how serious the situation is.
Final words
Finding out who made a fake Instagram account is not always easy, but it’s possible to gather enough clues to narrow down the possibilities. By examining the username, photos, followers, bio, posts, writing style, and linked accounts, and by using reverse image search and people search tools, you can start building a clearer picture of who might be behind the profile.
At the same time, it’s important to protect yourself, stay calm, and use the proper tools and reporting methods when you’re dealing with harassment, impersonation, or scams. Remember that your safety and peace of mind are more important than anything else.
If you’ve had an experience with fake Instagram accounts or discovered who was behind one, it can help others if you share your story and what worked for you. You’re not alone—this problem is becoming more common as more people join social media platforms every day.