1. Check through a separate channel
If a voice or video asks for money, codes or urgent action, pause. Contact the real person through a number or conversation you already trust. Do not rely on the caller’s suggested contact details or on the voice itself.
2. Secure accounts you control
Go directly to the provider’s official website or app. Change affected or reused passwords, enable stronger sign-in protection and review connected devices, recovery details and email-forwarding rules. If you are locked out, follow the provider’s recovery process. The FTC’s account-recovery guide links to common services.
3. Keep a useful record
Save the page address, account name, date, screenshots and relevant messages. Record what was said or done in your name and any report number. Keep originals privately; avoid reposting material that spreads the impersonation or exposes someone else.
4. Report the specific misuse
Use the service’s impersonation, privacy or abuse-reporting route. Explain which account or content is involved and what you want stopped or corrected. A clear record of your wishes can support that conversation, but removal and legal remedies depend on the circumstances.
5. Tell the people at risk
Warn relevant contacts through a channel you control. Tell them how to check a message before acting. If money has been sent, contact the bank or payment provider promptly and follow the FTC’s scam-recovery steps.
Need help identifying the next step? Contact Ownbeing.