In the era of digital dominance, social media platforms have become an essential part of our lives. We use them to connect, share, build businesses, raise voices, and even access government services. However, with this widespread usage comes a growing threat—fake social media accounts. These impersonation profiles are not just annoying but can also be dangerous, leading to harassment, fraud, defamation, and even mental trauma.
This comprehensive guide explores what the Indian law says about fake social media accounts, the legal provisions available for victims, and how you can take action if you or someone you know falls prey to such deceptive digital behavior.
What Are Fake Social Media Accounts?
A fake social media account is an account created with false or stolen identity details, such as someone else’s name, photo, or credentials. The motives behind creating fake profiles may vary:
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Impersonation: Pretending to be a celebrity, influencer, or common user to gain attention or deceive others.
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Fraud: Tricking people into sending money, revealing personal details, or clicking malicious links.
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Defamation: Damaging someone’s reputation by posting false or inappropriate content under their identity.
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Cyberbullying: Harassing, threatening, or stalking individuals using anonymous or disguised profiles.
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Spreading misinformation: Disseminating fake news or propaganda.
These accounts violate community guidelines of social platforms and may also constitute criminal offenses under Indian law.
The Legal Standpoint: What Does Indian Law Say?
1. Impersonation and Identity Theft – IPC & IT Act
Fake profiles often involve impersonation, a punishable offense under both:
Section 66C of the IT Act, 2000
“Whoever, fraudulently or dishonestly makes use of the electronic signature, password or any other unique identification feature of any other person shall be punished.”
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Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to ₹1 lakh.
Section 66D of the IT Act, 2000
Focuses on cheating by personation using a computer resource or communication device.
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Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.
2. Section 419 of IPC – Cheating by Personation
If a fake account is used to deceive or defraud others by pretending to be someone else, it falls under this section.
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Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both.
3. Section 500 of IPC – Defamation
Using fake profiles to post defamatory content about someone, whether public or private, can lead to:
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Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or both.
4. Section 354A of IPC – Sexual Harassment
If a fake profile is used to send obscene content or sexually harass someone, especially women, it can invoke sexual harassment laws.
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Punishment: Varies from 1 to 3 years imprisonment along with fines.
5. Section 507 of IPC – Criminal Intimidation by Anonymous Communication
Sending threats or intimidating messages through fake profiles also attracts legal action.
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Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment.
Real-Life Cases of Fake Social Media Accounts in India
India has seen several high-profile cases involving fake accounts:
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A Delhi college student created multiple Instagram accounts using photos of female classmates, posting obscene content and manipulating messages. He was booked under IT Act sections and IPC for harassment and defamation.
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A Bollywood actress filed a complaint against a fake Facebook profile that impersonated her and contacted fans with misleading information.
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In Kerala, a scamster used a fake LinkedIn profile of a tech CEO to solicit money under the pretense of recruitment.
These cases show that the law is indeed enforceable and that digital crimes are taken seriously by cyber crime cells across the country.
How to Report a Fake Social Media Accounts
Step 1: Report to the Social Media Platform
All major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and Snapchat have options to report fake accounts.
For Example – Instagram:
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Go to the fake profile.
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Tap the three dots > Report > Report Account > It’s pretending to be someone else.
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Choose whether it’s impersonating you or someone else.
These platforms usually take 24–72 hours to respond and may take down the account if your claim is found valid.
Step 2: Collect Evidence
Before the account is taken down:
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Take screenshots of the profile, posts, messages, or stories.
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Note the username, URL, and profile photo.
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Save timestamps, comments, and chat logs if relevant.
Step 3: File a Complaint on Cybercrime Portal
Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in
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Click on “Report Other Cyber Crime”
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Log in and provide your details
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Upload evidence and describe the incident clearly
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Submit the complaint and save the complaint ID
Step 4: Approach the Local Police or Cyber Crime Cell
You can also lodge an FIR at the nearest police station under the IT Act and IPC.
Documents Required:
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Printed screenshots and links
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Your valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
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A written application describing the offense
In serious cases like harassment or extortion, police are likely to act swiftly.
What Can Victims Expect After Reporting?
Once the complaint is filed:
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The platform may remove the fake profile
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The police may initiate a preliminary inquiry
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In some cases, they may ask for additional data like device information or witness statements
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If there’s enough evidence, an FIR will be registered
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The suspect’s IP address, device ID, or email ID can be tracked for prosecution
Challenges in Handling Fake Social Media Accounts Legally
Despite the laws being in place, certain practical challenges exist:
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Delayed action from platforms or police
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Cross-border cyber crimes, making it hard to track the accused
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Lack of digital awareness among users
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Proof burden on victims
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Misuse of fake accounts for parody or satire, which blurs legal lines
However, awareness and timely reporting can significantly improve the chances of justice.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Social Media Accounts
Enable Privacy Settings
Limit who can view your posts, follow you, or send DMs.
Verify Before Connecting
Always double-check before accepting friend/follow requests.
Use Reverse Image Search
Tools like Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye can help identify if your photo is being misused.
Keep an Eye on Digital Presence
Search your own name regularly to ensure no one is impersonating you.
Educate Children and Elders
They are more likely to fall victim due to lack of awareness.
Can You Sue Someone for Creating Fake Social Media Accounts?
Yes. If the fake account has caused reputational harm, financial loss, or emotional distress, you may take civil action for defamation, damages, or injunction in addition to filing a criminal complaint.
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You can approach the High Court for a restraining order to prevent further harm.
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Seek compensation under tort law (civil wrong).
Social Media Platform Policies on Fake Social Media Accounts
Most platforms are aggressively updating their policies to tackle impersonation:
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Meta (Facebook/Instagram): Removes fake profiles and may ban IPs
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Twitter (X): Flags parody accounts and suspends impostors
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LinkedIn: Prioritizes real identities and has dedicated identity-verification tools
These platforms work closely with Indian law enforcement in serious cases.
Final Words
Fake social media accounts are not just digital nuisances—they are criminal offenses under Indian law. Whether it’s identity theft, harassment, or fraud, the law provides strong recourse for victims.
If you’re affected:
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Don’t ignore it
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Collect evidence
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Report the account to the platform and cybercrime.gov.in
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Approach local police if needed
With increased legal awareness, digital vigilance, and proactive action, we can collectively create a safer social media environment for all.
FAQs – Fake Social Media Accounts and Indian Law
Q1. Is creating a fake social media accounts for fun illegal?
Yes, if it impersonates someone else, causes harm, or misleads others, it is punishable.
Q2. What happens if I report a fake social media accounts and nothing is done?
You can escalate the complaint to cyber crime police or file a legal case in court.
Q3. Can I file a complaint if someone is using my photo on a fake social media accounts?
Absolutely. That counts as identity theft under the IT Act.
Q4. Are parody accounts allowed?
Parody is allowed when clearly stated, but misleading impersonation for malice is not.
Q5. How long does it take to remove a fake profile?
Usually 24–72 hours after reporting to platforms. Legal action may take longer depending on the case.
