How To Find Out Who Is Behind A Fake Instagram Account

Are you curious to find out who the mastermind behind an anonymous Instagram account is? 

Wondering how to uncover their true identity? 

We will pull the curtain back on social media trolls and help you find the owner of a fake Instagram account.

1. Check Their Profiles

Start by thoroughly examining the suspicious account's profile. Many users unknowingly leave breadcrumbs in their bio section, where they might display their real names or share contact information such as a phone number or email address. 

Click the three dots on their profile to reveal additional information about their account.

2. Use Reverse Image Search

The reverse image search is a powerful tool to find the owner of an anonymous Instagram account. If the account uses a profile picture that seems too good to be true or is lifted from the internet, use services like Google Images or TinEye to trace the origin. This method can help you identify if the image has been used elsewhere, potentially linking it to a real person.

3. Check Followers

Examining the followers of the suspicious account can provide valuable insights. Genuine accounts often have a diverse and organic following.

If you notice a pattern of fake or suspicious followers, it might indicate that the account in question is not what it seems. Analyze the follower list for any accounts with generic names, no profile pictures, or a high frequency of unusual activity.

You can also see if there is a mutual connection between the followers. This might lead to the owner of the fake account.

4. Use Location Tracking Feature

This feature is handy if you are trying to find the location of an Instagram account owner.

Instagram allows users to share their location through posts and stories. Cross-reference the disclosed location with additional details you've gathered to narrow down the account owner's identity possibilities.

5. Request a Password Reset

One unconventional yet effective method is to attempt a password reset on the suspicious account. This approach is helpful if you know the person who created the account and can identify their phone number. 

Instagram requires a phone number or email address to create a new account. 

If successful, Instagram will send a password reset email to the associated email address. This alerts you to the contact information linked to the account.

6. Cross-Check Username/Followers on Different Social Media

Expand your investigation by exploring other social media platforms. The same username may be used across multiple accounts, providing additional clues about the owner's identity.

Furthermore, cross-referencing followers or following lists on platforms like Facebook or Twitter may reveal shared connections.

7. Reverse Look Up the Instagram Username

Utilize data broker services like BeenVerified to conduct a reverse username lookup. These tools can unveil information about the account owner, such as their real name, associated phone numbers, or email addresses. 

8. Metadata analysis

Instagram removes metadata from uploaded images, but metadata might be embedded in those images if the account owner has shared photos from other platforms, such as their website. Analyzing the metadata can provide valuable clues about the account owner's identity.

9. Report the Account to Meta Support

If all else fails and you cannot identify the account owner, it's time to involve the platform. Instagram's parent company, Meta, supports reporting suspicious or harmful accounts. Use the platform's reporting tools to detail your concerns and provide any evidence or information you've gathered during your investigation.

Using online tools and services to find the owner of an Instagram account

In addition to manual methods, several online tools and services can assist you in finding the owner of an Instagram account. These tools use various algorithms and data sources to gather information about an account and its owner. Here are a few popular options:

1. Social media search engines: Platforms like Spokeo and Infotracer allow you to search for an individual's social media profiles by username, name, or other identifying information. These tools can provide information, including other social media accounts associated with the same person.

2. People search websites: Websites like Intelius and Whitepages aggregate public records and other sources of information to create comprehensive profiles of individuals. These platforms can help you find the owner of an Instagram account by searching for their name, email address, or phone number.

3. Domain lookup tools: If the Instagram account owner has a website associated with their account, you can use domain lookup tools like WHOIS to find information about the website's owner. This could lead you to the person behind the Instagram account.

Social engineering techniques to find the owner of an Instagram account

Social engineering involves manipulating individuals to divulge information or perform actions they wouldn't normally do. While social engineering techniques should be used ethically and responsibly, they can be effective in certain situations when trying to find the owner of an Instagram account. Here are a few techniques you can consider:

1. Fake account approach: Create a fake account with a persona that would attract the attention of the account owner. Engage with their content, start conversations, and try to build trust. Over time, they might reveal information that can help you identify them.

2. Mutual connections: If you have mutual relations on Instagram, contact them discreetly and inquire about the account owner's identity. People are more likely to share information with someone they know or trust.

3. Phishing: This technique involves creating a deceptive website or email that mimics a legitimate platform or service. By tricking the account owner into entering their login credentials, you can gain access to their account information. However, be aware that phishing is illegal and can have serious consequences.

Protecting your privacy on Instagram

While finding the owner of an Instagram account may be your goal, it's important to remember that your privacy matters, too. Here are some tips to protect your privacy while conducting investigations:

1. Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, providing an extra layer of security and anonymity while conducting online activities.

2. Create a separate email address: When engaging in investigations or communicating with suspicious accounts, use a different email address that is not linked to your personal information.

3. Ensure your social media accounts are secure: Regularly review your privacy settings on Instagram and other social media platforms to protect your personal information. Be mindful of the information you share publicly and restrict access to sensitive details.

Contact NewReputation to Fight Back Against Cyberbullying

Consider contacting professionals when the fake account is part of a more significant cyberbullying issue. NewReputation specializes in online reputation management and can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with cyberbullying. Their expertise extends to uncovering the identities behind fake accounts and taking appropriate actions to mitigate the damage.

Unmasking the individuals behind fake Instagram accounts requires a combination of diligence, technological tools, and ethical considerations. Contact NewReputation to fight back against internet trolls.