Delete the Fakes- The AiPlex Enforcement Way

Dealing with impostors on social media is a daunting challenge, especially for major brands. Even more so, when your brand handles personal or sensitive data, such as in healthcare or financial services.

Fake Instagram accounts sprout like weeds, with spammy bios and uncannily similar usernames. Despite Instagram’s ongoing efforts to weed out bots and fakes, a multitude still manage to slip through the cracks.

The big question is, how do you distinguish the real from the fake in this virtual jungle and how do you protect yourself from these impostors and fraudsters?

In this article, we will guide you on deleting fake accounts and safeguarding your online presence across social media platforms.

What are fake social media accounts?

• Fake social media accounts that imitate your brand name, patent, logo, word mark, or trade mark.
• They often use similar profile pictures and typographic variations of your brand or product name.
• These accounts are created by fraudsters and impostors.
• Their purpose includes influencing product reviews, spreading false information, phishing attacks, distributing malware, and siphoning revenues that rightfully belongs to you.

How fake social media accounts hurt your business?

Misinformation Spread by Fake Accounts:

• Fast Misinformation Spread: Online misinformation can spread at lightning speed, often outpacing accurate information due to its sensational nature.
• Online Scepticism: Savvy internet users understand the need to verify information sources before believing or sharing them, given the untrustworthy nature of online content.
• Exploiting Trust: Fake social accounts misuse your brand’s trust, making their false information seem credible and causing it to spread rapidly.

Financial Impact:

• Public Companies: Public companies are particularly vulnerable, as significant announcements from fake social accounts can sway stock prices significantly.
• Real Consequences: The effects of fake social media accounts on stock prices are not mere speculation; they can result in disastrous financial consequences for your brand.

How to detect, report, and delete fake social media accounts?

Detecting and Reporting Fake Social Media Accounts:

Set Up Automated Monitoring:

• To detect fake social media accounts, put in place a social media presence monitoring system.
• It scans all social networks for your brand, product names, and key executives’ names, including possible misspellings.
• This system ensures comprehensive coverage across various platforms.

Report the Fake Accounts:

When you identify a fake social media account impersonating your brand, promptly report it to the respective platform for takedown.

Follow these steps for major social platforms:

• Facebook: Click the three dots below the fake account’s cover photo, then select “Find support or report Page.” Alternatively, use this form, especially for trademark violations.
• Instagram: Click the three dots on the fake profile, choose “Report,” and then “Report Account.” Alternatively, fill out this form, especially for trademark violations.
• Twitter: File an impersonation report using this form. For trademark violations, use the intellectual property issues report form.
• LinkedIn: On the fake page, click “More,” then select “Report abuse.” For trademark infringements, use the trademark infringement form.
• TikTok: Click the three dots on the fake account’s profile, then click “Report.” You can also file an impersonation report using this form.
• Pinterest: Visit this form and click “Report a policy violation.” For trademark infringements, file a trademark infringement report.

Tips to protect your brand from fake social media accounts:

Protecting Your Brand from Fake Social Media Accounts:

Continuous Social Media Monitoring:

• Regularly monitor your brand’s presence across social media platforms.
• Actively search for fake accounts, unusual activity, or mentions that could damage your brand’s reputation.

Utilize Google Alerts:

• Set up Google Alerts for your brand and product names.
• Receive notifications whenever your brand is mentioned online, helping you stay informed about potential fake accounts.

Craft a Distinctive Brand Identity:

• Develop a unique brand voice and visual identity.
• Create content that reflects your brand’s personality, making it harder for impersonators to mimic.

Secure Brand Name Handles:

• Reserve your brand name handles on all social media platforms, even if you don’t plan to use them immediately.
• This prevents impostors from claiming your brand’s identity.

Get Your Social Media Accounts Verified:

• Apply for verification badges on major social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Verified accounts enhance your credibility and make it easier for users to identify your official presence.

Prepare for Crisis Management:

• Develop a crisis management plan to address potential threats from fake accounts.
• Define procedures for responding to impersonation, misinformation, or other online crises, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.

Deleting Fake Accounts is Critical & You Should Do It

Deleting fake accounts across social media platforms is critical for your brand’s credibility and integrity.  Remember, your online presence is an extension of your brand. With the strategies discussed above, you can detect and pursue removal of fake accounts.  At AiPlex, we have been rendering Brand Rights Enforcement, Copyright and IPR protection for nearly 2 decades now for India’s top brands and businesses.  Given an opportunity, we could take care of deleting fake accounts and Protecting Your Brand in the online space, and you can focus on building a world‑class brand.