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How do I approach someone I’ve followed for years, but do not personally know, that I believe someone is attempting to impersonate them?
It may be a stupid question, I don’t know for sure. But I am more of a quiet browser instead of being very active and posting/interacting with a lot of people. I am introverted and interaction with strangers can prove to be uncomfortable for me, even on social media. Hell, I’m not even super active here, as I use Reddit as a helpful resource more than anything.
Anyhow, I do not want to weird/creep them out, but I am certain that they are very much unaware that their photos and notes/captions are being stolen/duplicated. I also stumbled across that account by chance and there are a few signs/tells that may indicate it does not belong to the person I follow. So it threw me off. And as a previous victim of identity theft, I do not appreciate it when people have nothing better to do than steal others’ things online.Should I even bother to tell them and go on about my business instead? And if you guys feel I should tell them, where should I start? Asking for a bit of guidance.
–Awkwardly Shy and Confused
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3 Replies
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I think it’s really nice and thoughtful that you’re looking out for someone. If I were you, I would just tell them. Something like, “I know we don’t really know each other, but I noticed x, y, z and it seems like maybe they’re impersonating you? I’m not 100%, but I thought you should know. Take what you want and leave the rest,” and then just leave it there. If it’s coming from a clean place, which it seems to be, they’ll appreciate it unless they’re a jackass. And, if that’s the case, be grateful you know now ?
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What platform? Instagram?
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I used to manage a D level celebrity’s social media accounts. It was insane how many people would impersonate someone with middling fame. I’d get messages from real fans about the fake accounts and I did appreciate it so that I could deal with it. I would just shoot them a message with screen shots if you can
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