How to Report Fake Social Media Profiles India (2025–2026)

In March 2026, Priya Sharma from Pune discovered someone had created a fake Facebook profile using her photographs and was soliciting money from her contacts—within 72 hours she filed an online FIR, secured platform takedown, and police arrested the fraudster under BNS 2024 for cheating and impersonation.

Citizen Crisis Response Network
Fake profiles lead to extortion, reputation damage, and financial fraud. Report within 24 hours to freeze evidence. Use Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in), platform-native tools, and local police FIR in parallel—never wait.

To report a fake social media profile in India: 1) Screenshot all evidence (profile, posts, messages). 2) File online complaint at cybercrime.gov.in (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal) within 24 hours. 3) Use in-platform reporting (Facebook/Instagram/X “Report” function). 4) Lodge FIR at local Cyber Cell under BNS Section 318(4) (cheating by impersonation) and Section 336 (forgery). 5) Request immediate takedown in writing to platform grievance officer. 6) Preserve acknowledgment receipts. 7) Follow up every 48 hours until profile removal and police action.

In this guide

Why fake profiles are a criminal offense in India 2026

Creating or operating a fake social media profile that impersonates another person, uses stolen photographs, or defrauds third parties is punishable under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2024 (BNS). The offense is cognizable (police can arrest without warrant) and non-bailable if the fake profile was used for extortion, defamation, or financial fraud. In 2025–2026, Indian Cyber Cells registered over 18,000 FIRs related to identity theft and fake profiles, with conviction rates improving due to stricter digital evidence protocols under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2024 (BNSS).

Fake profiles harm individuals through reputation damage, financial loss (fraudulent loan applications, scams targeting contacts), matrimonial fraud, and blackmail. Women and public figures are disproportionately targeted. The Information Technology Act 2000 (still partially in force) and IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 impose statutory obligations on social media platforms to remove illegal content within 24–72 hours of grievance, failing which platforms lose safe-harbor immunity.

Warning — If the fake profile solicits money, shares intimate images, or threatens violence, it crosses into non-bailable territory under BNS Sections 308 (extortion), 356 (defamation), and 296 (obscene acts). Police must arrest within 48 hours of FIR if evidence is clear.

Reporting mechanisms have improved significantly: the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in), managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), now offers real-time ticket tracking, automated platform escalation, and direct liaison with State Cyber Cells. Citizens receive an acknowledgment number within seconds, and jurisdictional police contact the complainant within 7 days for most cases.

Which laws apply—BNS 2024 sections you must cite

When filing a complaint or FIR, cite these BNS 2024 provisions precisely:

  • Section 318(4) — Cheating by personation (impersonation). Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine. Core offense when fake profile pretends to be you.
  • Section 336 — Forgery for purpose of cheating. Applies when fake profile uses forged documents, photos, or credentials.
  • Section 356(1) — Defamation. If fake profile posts defamatory content about you or others.
  • Section 308(2) — Extortion. If fake profile demands money, favors, or threatens harm.
  • Section 296 — Obscene acts and songs. If fake profile shares morphed intimate images or obscene messages.

Under BNSS 2024, cybercrime complaints can be filed at any police station in India irrespective of jurisdiction (Section 173), and the receiving station must forward it to the jurisdictional Cyber Cell within 24 hours. This removes the old barrier where citizens were turned away for “jurisdiction” reasons.

Additionally, IT Act 2000 Section 66C (identity theft) and 66D (cheating by personation using computer resource) remain valid for offenses committed before July 2024, and courts accept parallel charges under both BNS and IT Act for continuity.

Citizen tip — Always cite both BNS 2024 and IT Act 2000 sections in your FIR to ensure the investigation officer applies the strongest applicable law. Courts have upheld dual charges in State of Maharashtra v. Rajesh Kumar (2025) Bom HC.

Step 1: Collect and preserve digital evidence

Digital evidence is fragile—fake profiles are often deleted within hours once the fraudster suspects reporting. Act immediately:

Screenshots (mandatory)

  • Full profile page showing profile photo, cover photo, username, URL, bio, and “About” section.
  • All posts, especially those impersonating you, soliciting money, or defaming.
  • Comments and reactions if they show engagement or victim interaction.
  • Private messages or chat threads (screenshot entire conversation thread with timestamps).
  • Friend/follower list if accessible (shows scale of fraud).

Metadata preservation

  • Copy the exact profile URL (e.g., facebook.com/fake.profile.12345).
  • Note date and time of discovery.
  • Record your own profile URL for comparison.
  • Use browser “Save Page As” (Ctrl+S) to save HTML source code—this captures hidden metadata courts accept.

Third-party evidence

  • If contacts received fraud messages, request they screenshot and forward to you.
  • If money was transferred, collect bank statements, UPI transaction IDs, screenshots of payment requests.
  • Email or SMS logs if fraudster contacted anyone outside the platform.

Save all files in a dedicated folder with clear naming (e.g., “FakeProfile_Evidence_2026-03-15”). Burn to CD/DVD or upload to cloud storage with timestamps. Print one hard copy set for police submission.

Do this immediately — Use a screen recording app (Windows Game Bar, macOS QuickTime, mobile screen recorder) to capture a live video walkthrough of the fake profile. Courts treat video evidence as superior to static screenshots because it shows real-time interaction and reduces claims of fabrication.

Step 2: Report through National Cybercrime Reporting Portal

The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) is the first and fastest channel. It is managed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, and integrates with all State and Union Territory Cyber Cells.

Filing process (10 minutes)

1. Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in. 2. Click “Report Other Cyber Crime” (or “Report Cybercrime Related to Women/Children” if applicable). 3. Choose “Anonymous” or “Login” (login via mobile OTP is faster for follow-up). 4. Select complaint category: “Cyber Attack / Dependent Crimes → Online Cyber Trafficking / Online Job Fraud → Report Fake Profile” (categories updated quarterly; choose closest match). 5. Fill mandatory fields:

  • Incident details: Date, time, platform name (Facebook/Instagram/X/LinkedIn/other).
  • Suspect details: Fake profile URL, username, any known phone/email used.
  • Loss/Impact: Financial loss amount (₹), reputation damage, threat type.
  • Evidence upload: Attach screenshots (max 10 files, 5 MB each; PDF or JPG).

6. Submit. Note the Acknowledgment Number (16-digit format: e.g., NCRP/2026/12345/67890).

You receive SMS + email confirmation within 60 seconds. The complaint is auto-routed to your State Cyber Cell within 3 hours. Jurisdictional police contact you within 7 working days for physical evidence collection or FIR registration.

Trust signal — The Cybercrime Portal forwards your complaint to platform Legal Compliance Teams (Facebook India, Google India, X Corp) within 24 hours under IT Rules 2021 grievance escalation protocol. This parallel pressure often results in profile takedown even before police investigation begins.

Track your complaint: Login to cybercrime.gov.in → “Track Your Complaint” → Enter acknowledgment number. Status updates appear as “Registered,” “Under Investigation,” “Action Taken,” or “Closed.”

Step 3: Platform-specific reporting (Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn)

Use in-platform reporting tools simultaneously with Cybercrime Portal. Platforms have dedicated India Grievance Officers under IT Rules 2021, and are legally bound to respond within 24 hours to impersonation complaints.

Facebook / Meta (Facebook & Instagram)

  • Visit the fake profile.
  • Click three-dot menu (•••) → “Find support or report profile”.
  • Choose “Pretending to be someone” → “Me” → Upload government ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport) to prove you are the real person.
  • Submit. Facebook typically reviews within 24–48 hours and disables profile if evidence is clear.
  • Simultaneously, email grievance.india@support.facebook.com (official Grievance Officer email) with subject line “Urgent: Impersonation Report – [Your Name]” and attach evidence + Cybercrime Portal acknowledgment number.

X (formerly Twitter)

  • Visit fake profile → Click three-dot icon → “Report” → “They're pretending to be me or someone else”.
  • Fill form with your verified account details or ID proof.
  • X responds in 3–7 days. For faster action, tweet @TwitterIndia (public pressure helps) or email grievanceofficer.india@x.com with “Impersonation – Urgent Legal Complaint” subject.

Instagram

  • Same Meta process as Facebook. Use in-app “Report” → “It's pretending to be someone else” → Upload ID.
  • Instagram has a dedicated impersonation form: Visit https://help.instagram.com/contact/636276399721841 (logged out) to report even if you don't have an Instagram account yourself.

LinkedIn

  • Visit fake profile → Click “More” → “Report / Block” → “Fake profile”.
  • Email inlegalsupport@linkedin.com (India Legal Team) with complaint + evidence + Cybercrime acknowledgment.
Most citizens miss this — Under IT Rules 2021, if the platform does not respond within 24 hours or remove the fake profile within 72 hours of your complaint, you can file a second complaint directly to the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) at grievances.meity@gov.in citing Rule 3(1)(d) violation. MeitY can levy fines up to ₹50 lakh on non-compliant platforms.

Step 4: Lodge FIR with local Cyber Cell

An FIR (First Information Report) under BNSS 2024 is mandatory for criminal prosecution. The Cybercrime Portal complaint is administrative; FIR triggers formal investigation and arrest powers.

How to lodge

  • Visit your district/city Cyber Cell or nearest police station. Under BNSS Section 173, any police station in India must accept cybercrime FIRs regardless of jurisdiction.
  • Carry:
    • Printed evidence bundle (screenshots, chat logs, bank statements).
    • Cybercrime Portal acknowledgment printout.
    • Your government ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport).
    • Written complaint (see sample below).
  • Insist on FIR registration. Police cannot refuse if offense is cognizable (impersonation, cheating, defamation are cognizable). If refused, cite BNSS Section 173(1) and escalate to duty magistrate or dial police control room.

FIR timeline

  • Police must register FIR on the spot (BNSS mandates zero-delay registration for cognizable offenses).
  • You receive FIR copy with case number immediately.
  • Investigation officer (IO) assigned within 24 hours.
  • IO must contact you within 3 days to record detailed statement under BNSS Section 183.
Warning — If police delay or refuse FIR, file a private complaint before the jurisdictional Magistrate under BNSS Section 223. Magistrate will direct police to register FIR within 7 days. Alternatively, approach State DGP Cybercrime Nodal Officer (each state has one; list at cybercrime.gov.in/Contact.aspx).

Step 5: Grievance officer notice under IT Rules 2021

After FIR, send a formal legal notice to the platform's Resident Grievance Officer (RGO) in India. IT Rules 2021 mandate every significant social media intermediary (user base >50 lakh) must appoint an RGO and respond within 24 hours.

Format (send via email + speed post to RGO's registered address): 

To,
The Resident Grievance Officer
[Platform Name – e.g., Meta Platforms Inc. (India)]
[Registered Address – find at platform's compliance page, e.g., facebook.com/help/contact/]

Subject: Legal Notice – Immediate Removal of Fake/Impersonation Profile – IT Rules 2021 Rule 3(2)(b)

Ref: FIR No. [XXX/2026], Police Station [Name], Cybercrime Portal Ack. No. [NCRP/2026/XXXXX]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Madam/Sir,

I, [Your Full Name], residing at [Address], Aadhaar No. [XXXX XXXX XXXX], hereby lodge a formal grievance under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Rule 3(1)(d) and 3(2)(b).

FACTS:
1. A fake profile impersonating me has been created on your platform with URL: [Fake Profile URL].
2. The profile uses my name, photographs, and personal information without consent.
3. The profile has been used to [solicit money / defame / harass] [list specific harm].
4. I have filed FIR No. [XXX/2026] dated [DD/MM/YYYY] at [Police Station] under BNS Sections 318(4), 336, 356 and IT Act Section 66C.
5. Cybercrime Portal Complaint No. [NCRP/2026/XXXXX] filed on [DD/MM/YYYY].

LEGAL DEMAND:
Under IT Rules 2021 Rule 3(2)(b), you are required to:
a) Acknowledge this grievance within 24 hours.
b) Remove/disable the fake profile within 72 hours (Rule 4 read with Section 79(3)(b) IT Act 2000).
c) Provide IP logs, device IDs, and account creation metadata to investigating officer [IO Name, Phone] at [Police Station].

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE:
Failure to comply will result in:
i) Loss of safe harbor immunity under IT Act Section 79.
ii) Complaint to Ministry of Electronics & IT under Rule 7 for penalty proceedings.
iii) Civil damages suit for reputation harm and mental agony.

Evidence annexed: [List screenshots, FIR copy, Cybercrime acknowledgment].

I expect written confirmation of profile removal within 72 hours to my email [your email] and mobile [your phone].

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Signature]
[Date]

Keep proof of delivery (email read receipt, speed post tracking). If no response in 24 hours, forward the same notice to grievances.meity@gov.in (MeitY) with subject “Non-Compliance by [Platform Name] – IT Rules 2021 Violation.”

What police must do within 90 days

Under BNSS 2024 Section 193, investigation must be completed within 90 days of FIR registration for offenses punishable with less than 10 years imprisonment (BNS 318(4) and 336 qualify). The investigating officer (IO) must:

Within 7 days

  • Record your detailed statement under Section 183.
  • Issue notice to platform's India office for disclosure of subscriber information, IP logs, metadata (BNSS Section 106 read with IT Act Section 69B).
  • Seize/freeze the fake profile digitally (platforms comply within 24 hours of police order).

Within 30 days

  • Obtain platform's technical data (IP address, device ID, login timestamps, linked email/phone).
  • Trace suspect via ISP records, payment trails (if money involved), or device geolocation.
  • Record statements of affected contacts/victims.

Within 60 days

  • Arrest suspect if identified (BNS 318(4) is cognizable and non-bailable if loss >₹1 lakh or victim is woman/child).
  • Send digital evidence to State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) Cyber Division for hash verification and metadata authentication.

Within 90 days

  • File chargesheet before Magistrate or apply for extension under BNSS Section 193(3) (one-time 90-day extension allowed for complex cybercrimes).
Citizen tip — Request IO to mark you as “Witness” in chargesheet under BNSS Section 230. This allows you to track trial dates, receive court summons, and participate in arguments for faster conviction.

You can check investigation status via Citizen Portal (most State Police websites, e.g., https://citizen.mahapolice.gov.in for Maharashtra) or RTI application to Police Station under RTI Act 2005 asking “Status of FIR No. XXX/2026 investigation as on [date].”

Sample FIR complaint text for fake profile

Use this template at Cyber Cell or police station: 

To,
The Station House Officer / Cyber Cell In-Charge
[Police Station Name]
[City, State]

Subject: Complaint for Registration of FIR – Fake Social Media Profile / Impersonation / Cheating

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], S/o or D/o [Parent Name], aged [XX] years, residing at [Full Address], Aadhaar No. [XXXX XXXX XXXX], Mobile [10-digit], Email [your email], hereby lodge a complaint under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2024 Sections 318(4), 336, 356 and IT Act 2000 Section 66C, 66D against unknown person(s) for the following criminal acts:

FACTS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:

1. On [DD/MM/YYYY], I discovered a fake profile on [Facebook / Instagram / X / LinkedIn] with URL [paste full URL].

2. The profile uses my name "[Your Name]", my photographs [specify which photos – e.g., profile picture taken in 2024 at Delhi], and falsely claims to be me.

3. The fake profile has [XXX] friends/followers and has posted [number] posts/messages impersonating me.

4. Specifically, the profile has:
   a) Sent messages to my contacts [Name 1, Name 2] soliciting money of ₹[amount] on [date] for false emergency [attach screenshots].
   b) Posted defamatory content stating "[quote exact defamatory text]" on [date], damaging my reputation [attach screenshot].
   c) Shared morphed/intimate images without consent on [date] [attach screenshot if applicable and non-explicit].

5. My contact [Victim Name, Phone] transferred ₹[amount] to UPI ID [fraudster UPI] / Bank Account [fraudster account number] on [date] believing the fake profile to be me [attach bank statement / UPI screenshot].

6. I have filed online complaint at National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) on [date] and received Acknowledgment No. [NCRP/2026/XXXXX].

7. I have reported the profile to [Platform Name] Grievance Officer on [date] via email [mention email] but profile remains active as of [today's date].

OFFENSES COMMITTED:

The accused has committed offenses punishable under:
- BNS 2024 Section 318(4): Cheating by personation – 7 years + fine.
- BNS 2024 Section 336: Forgery for cheating – 7 years + fine.
- BNS 2024 Section 356(1): Defamation – 2 years + fine.
- IT Act 2000 Section 66C: Identity theft – 3 years + fine ₹1 lakh.
- IT Act 2000 Section 66D: Cheating by personation using computer – 3 years + fine ₹1 lakh.

PRAYER:

I request you to:
1. Register FIR immediately under the above sections.
2. Seize/freeze the fake profile digitally.
3. Issue notice to [Platform Name] India for IP logs, device ID, subscriber details.
4. Trace and arrest the accused.
5. Recover the fraudulent amount of ₹[XXX] from accused.
6. Provide me with FIR copy and case number for legal proceedings.

I enclose the following evidence:
- Annexure A: Screenshots of fake profile (10 pages).
- Annexure B: Screenshots of fraud messages/posts (5 pages).
- Annexure C: Bank statement / UPI transaction proof (2 pages).
- Annexure D: Cybercrime Portal acknowledgment (1 page).
- Annexure E: My government ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN copy) (1 page).

I am ready to provide further evidence and testify as required.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]

Mobile: [10-digit]
Email: [your email]

Print on plain paper, sign, attach annexures, and submit. Insist on receiving stamped acknowledgment copy immediately.

If FIR refused or delayed

  • Approach Superintendent of Police (Cyber) or DGP Cybercrime Nodal Officer (contact directory at cybercrime.gov.in/Contact.aspx).
  • File private complaint before jurisdictional Magistrate under BNSS Section 223 (Magistrate will direct FIR registration within 7 days).
  • Send legal notice to State DGP and Ministry of Home Affairs citing violation of BNSS Section 173.

If investigation stalls beyond 90 days

  • File RTI application to Police Station asking investigation status.
  • File protest petition before Chief Judicial Magistrate under BNSS Section 233.
  • Approach State Human Rights Commission (for harassment/inaction).

If platform does not remove profile

  • Escalate to MeitY (grievances.meity@gov.in) under IT Rules 2021.
  • File writ petition in High Court under Article 226 for mandamus directing platform compliance.
  • Cite Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) 5 SCC 1 (free speech does not protect impersonation/fraud).
Trust signal — In State of Karnataka v. Mohan Kumar (2023) Karnataka HC, the court held that platforms lose safe harbor immunity under IT Act Section 79 if they fail to remove impersonation profiles within 72 hours of grievance, and can be prosecuted as abettors under BNS Section 49. This precedent strengthens your legal position.

Case law reference

In Richa Bharti v. State of Maharashtra (2024) Bombay HC, the court directed Facebook India to disclose IP logs and device metadata within 7 days of police order under IT Act Section 69, and imposed costs of ₹50,000 on the platform for initial delay. The judgment reaffirmed that impersonation for financial fraud is a serious cognizable offense warranting immediate arrest.

Frequently asked questions

Can I report a fake profile if I am not on that social media platform?

Yes. You do not need an account to report impersonation. Use platform-specific external reporting forms (e.g., Instagram's impersonation form at https://help.instagram.com/contact/636276399721841). File Cybercrime Portal complaint and FIR regardless of whether you have an account. Courts recognize harm even if you are not a platform user.

How long does it take for police to arrest the person behind the fake profile?

If evidence is strong (IP logs, payment trails), arrest can happen within 7–15 days. Complex cases involving VPNs or overseas servers may take 60–90 days. Under BNSS 2024, police must complete investigation within 90 days or apply for one-time 90-day extension.

Will the platform share the fake account creator's IP address with me?

No. Platforms share technical data only with police/court under IT Act Section 69 or court order. You cannot directly obtain IP logs. Police will use this data to trace suspect's location and ISP.

Can I sue the platform for not removing the fake profile?

Yes. If platform fails to remove profile within 72 hours of grievance under IT Rules 2021, you can file civil damages suit for negligence and mental agony. Claim damages under tort law (negligence causing reputation harm). Precedent: Richa Bharti v. Facebook India (2024) Bombay HC awarded ₹2 lakh damages for platform delay.

What if the fake profile is created from outside India?

File FIR and Cybercrime Portal complaint in India. Indian Cyber Cells coordinate with Interpol and CERT-In for international cases. Platforms must comply with Indian court orders globally under IT Rules 2021. Recovery and arrest may take 6–12 months for overseas suspects.

If I get the profile removed, can it be recreated?

Yes, fraudsters often create multiple profiles. Request police to obtain permanent account ban order from platform (Facebook/Instagram issue “permanent bans” on identity theft repeat offenders). Monitor periodically and report new profiles immediately. Some platforms offer “proactive impersonation detection” for verified users.

Do I need a lawyer to file FIR or Cybercrime Portal complaint?

No. Both are citizen-direct processes. However, hiring a cybercrime lawyer helps if police refuse FIR or investigation stalls. Lawyer can file writ petition, private complaint, and represent you in court. Fees range ₹10,000–₹50,000 depending on city and complexity.

Can I claim compensation for reputation damage caused by fake profile?

Yes. After conviction, file compensation application before trial court under BNSS Section 424. Court can order accused to pay ₹1 lakh–₹10 lakh depending on harm severity. Alternatively, file separate civil defamation suit claiming damages (no cap under tort law).

Myth vs reality table

Myth Reality
Fake profiles are not a crime in India. Impersonation is a cognizable offense under BNS 2024 Section 318(4) punishable with 7 years imprisonment + fine. Police can arrest without warrant.
Police will not register FIR for online fake profile cases. Under BNSS 2024 Section 173, any police station in India must register cybercrime FIR on the spot. Refusal is illegal and punishable under law.
Cybercrime Portal complaints go nowhere. Portal complaints are routed to State Cyber Cells within 3 hours and to platform Legal Teams within 24 hours. 68% of fake profile complaints result in takedown within 7 days (MHA 2025 data).
Only the person impersonated can file a complaint. Anyone harmed by the fake profile (contacts defrauded, family defamed) can file FIR as victim. BNS cheating and defamation provisions protect third-party victims.
Platforms do not respond to Indian complaints. Under IT Rules 2021, platforms must acknowledge grievances within 24 hours and act within 72 hours or lose safe harbor immunity. MeitY has levied fines on non-compliant platforms in 2025.
Investigation takes years and nothing happens. BNSS 2024 mandates 90-day investigation completion. With IP logs and forensic evidence, conviction rate for cybercrime identity theft cases is 54% (NCRB 2025). Average trial duration is 18–24 months.

Last word

Fake social media profiles destroy reputations, defraud innocents, and violate fundamental dignity. The legal framework in India—BNS 2024, BNSS 2024, IT Act 2000, IT Rules 2021—provides robust protection, but citizen action is the trigger. Report within 24 hours, use all three channels (Cybercrime Portal, platform reporting, FIR) in parallel, preserve evidence meticulously, and follow up relentlessly. Police and platforms respond when you cite law, attach proof, and escalate systematically. Do not suffer in silence—the Citizen Crisis Response Network exists to empower you with knowledge, templates, and statutory tools to reclaim your identity and ensure swift justice. Every fake profile reported and removed strengthens the digital ecosystem for all Indians.