Someone is pretending to be you on a dating app: what should you do?
The situation
You discover that someone has created an account on a dating app using your personal information and pretending to be you. What should you do?
The right reflex
Take screenshots of the fake account, report the incident to the dating app and ask for the account to be removed immediately
Explanation and advice
It is essential to gather evidence by taking screenshots of the fake account created with your personal information in order to protect your online identity. Then report the incident to the dating app so it can take appropriate action, including removing the fraudulent account. Talking about the situation with the people around you, a legal adviser or an organisation that specialises in tackling online fraud (option 4) can also be a good idea to get appropriate advice and support in this delicate situation.
If you face online harassment, remember these 5 steps
- Take screenshots: they are your evidence.
- Report the content or the account to the platform.
- Talk to someone you trust so you don't face it alone.
- Contact the relevant authorities with your evidence.
- File a complaint if needed, with support.
Similar situations
- A fake Instagram profile in your name to mock you: what should you do?
- A fake LinkedIn profile discrediting you professionally: what should you do?
- A fake profile with your photos on a dating site: what should you do?
- A family member has created a fake account in your name