How to Report a Fake Snapchat Account
Dealing with a fake Snapchat account, impersonation profile or scam account? Learn how to identify the problem, save useful evidence and choose the reporting route that best matches what the account is doing.
Snapchat reviews reports and decides whether an account or its behaviour violates its rules. RemoveSocial365 provides independent information and does not guarantee a specific outcome.
What kind of fake Snapchat account is it?
“Fake account” can describe several different situations. Identifying what is actually happening helps you choose a more relevant reporting reason.
Impersonation
Someone is using another person’s or organisation’s identity and trying to make others believe they are that person.
Possible route: ImpersonationScam Account
An account uses a false identity to request money, promote a fraudulent offer or deceive other Snapchat users.
Possible route: Fraud or scamFake Business Account
A profile copies the name or identity of a company and may confuse customers about which account is legitimate.
Possible route: Impersonation or fraudCopied Content
Someone uses your photo, video or other material without necessarily pretending that the entire account belongs to you.
Possible route: Content or IP issueHacked Account
Someone has gained access to your genuine Snapchat account instead of creating a separate fake account.
Different route: Account recoveryParody or Fan Account
A fan, parody or commentary account is not automatically impersonation when it clearly identifies itself as such.
Removal depends on the behaviourWhich reporting route may fit your situation?
| Situation | Possible issue | Useful evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Someone pretends to be you | Impersonation | Username, profile screenshots, your genuine account |
| Fake profile asks people for money | Fraud / scam | Messages, payment requests, screenshots |
| Someone copies a business | Impersonation / deceptive behaviour | Official website, real profile, copied branding |
| Your real account was taken over | Account security | Email, phone and previous login information |
| Someone copied your media | Content / IP issue | Original content and copies |
How to report a Snapchat account
Snapchat allows accounts to be reported directly from its search and profile interface. The exact wording may change as the app is updated.
Find the account
Search for the account and confirm that you are looking at the correct username before submitting anything.
Open the reporting option
You can press and hold the account name from Search and choose Report, or open the profile, use the three-dot menu and choose Report.
Select the relevant reason
Choose the reason that most accurately reflects the problem, such as impersonation, fraudulent behaviour or another violation.
Submit the report
Provide the requested information and avoid exaggerating or choosing unrelated categories simply to increase the number of reports.
Keep your evidence
Save screenshots and account information in case the username, display name or profile changes after you submit the report.
Save evidence of the fake account
Usernames, display names and profile information can change. Save the important information before it disappears or changes.
Save the exact Snapchat username.
Record the name being shown to other users.
Capture the account before details are changed.
Save relevant misleading or fraudulent messages.
Keep examples of photographs or material being copied.
Keep information showing which account or business is genuine.
What if the fake account blocked you?
Being blocked can make reporting more difficult because you may no longer be able to access the account through the normal in-app route.
Snapchat currently states that if someone has blocked you, you cannot report that user through the app. Snapchat provides a support-site route for reporting harmful or inappropriate activity in this situation.
Do not assume the case is over.
Keep any existing evidence and use Snapchat’s official support options rather than creating misleading reports from unrelated accounts.
- Official business name
- Company website
- Official Snapchat account
- Branding or logo examples
- Fake account screenshots
- Examples of customer confusion
Fake Snapchat accounts impersonating businesses
A fake business account can be more than a branding problem. It may be used to approach customers, collect information, promote fraudulent offers or request payments.
Snapchat’s rules prohibit impersonation and deceptive practices. The strongest reporting reason depends on exactly what the account is doing.
What happens after you report an account?
Snapchat reviews reports to determine whether its rules have been violated. Reporting an account does not mean it will automatically disappear.
Keep your evidence
Do not delete your screenshots immediately after reporting.
Protect your account
Review passwords, recovery details and other security settings.
Warn others when needed
Businesses may need to alert customers through verified channels.
Watch for changes
The reported account may change its username or profile details.
Fake Snapchat account vs hacked Snapchat account
A new account was created
Someone created a separate account that pretends to be you or another person.
Think: reporting / impersonationYour real account was taken over
Another person gained access to the Snapchat account that already belonged to you.
Think: account recovery / securityNot sure whether the problem is the account or the content?
Explore our Snapchat hub for guidance about accounts, Snaps, Stories, Spotlight content, privacy and other removal situations.
Fake Snapchat account FAQ
How do I report a fake Snapchat account?
From Snapchat Search, you can press and hold the account name and choose Report. You can also open the account, tap the three-dot menu and select Report.
Can Snapchat remove an impersonation account?
Snapchat prohibits impersonation and can take action when an account violates its rules. A report does not guarantee that a particular account will be removed.
Are parody Snapchat accounts allowed?
Snapchat states that fan, satire and commentary accounts are generally allowed when they are transparent and clearly disclose their nature, including through the display name.
Can I report someone who blocked me?
Snapchat currently says you cannot report that account through the normal in-app route once they have blocked you. Its support site provides an alternative reporting route for relevant concerns.
Is a fake account the same as a hacked Snapchat account?
No. A fake account is normally a separate profile. A hacked account is your genuine account that another person has gained access to.
Will mass reporting automatically remove a Snapchat account?
You should not assume that sending more reports guarantees removal. Snapchat evaluates reports against its rules and decides what action, if any, is appropriate.
Sources used for this guide
RemoveSocial365 prioritises official Snapchat Support, Snap Community Guidelines and Snap policy documentation. Platform procedures may change over time.