Someone is impersonating you or your business online

A fake account in your name can message your contacts, take payments from your customers or post things you would never say.

Report through the right form

Every major platform has a dedicated impersonation report. It usually asks for a government ID for a person, or proof of authority for a business. General abuse reports are slower.

Use trademark rights for a brand

If the account uses a registered business name or logo, a trademark complaint is often quicker than an impersonation report.

Warn your audience

Post a short notice from your real account that names the fake one. Tell customers how you take payment and that you never ask for it by direct message.

Save evidence first

Capture the profile, its web address, its posts and any messages it sent before you report. Once it is removed you may lose access to that proof.

The law in Texas

Texas makes online impersonation a crime when someone uses another person's name or identity to create a page or send messages with intent to harm, defraud, intimidate or threaten. Civil claims may also apply, including defamation, misuse of your name or likeness, and trademark infringement.

When it keeps coming back

If new fakes appear as fast as old ones are removed, a court order to identify the person behind them may be the only lasting fix.

This article is general information about the law. It is not legal advice and reading it does not make you a client of the firm. Laws change, so speak to a lawyer about your own situation.