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
Reverse image searches can help you identify the owner of a fake Instagram account. If the account is using a profile picture that appears to be too good to be true, or was obtained from the Internet, utilize a service such as Google Images or TinEye to track its origin. The reverse image search may help you identify if the image has been used anywhere else, which may lead to a connection to a specific person.
3. Check Followers
Evaluate the followers of the suspicious Instagram account. Real accounts usually have a broad base of followers.
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 to other social media platforms. It is very likely that the same username is being utilized on multiple accounts. The additional clues to the identity of the account owner may be located in this type of comparison.
Additionally, cross-examine followers and followees on platforms such as Facebook or Twitter to find potential mutual connections.
7. Reverse Look Up the Instagram Username
Use the data brokerage services such as BeenVerified to perform a reverse username lookup on Instagram. The services may provide you with information about the account owner, such as their actual name, associated telephone numbers or e-mail addresses.
8. Analyze Metadata
Metadata is removed from photos uploaded to Instagram; however, metadata may be embedded in the photo if the account owner posted photos from another platform (for example, their website). Analyzing the metadata may provide you with additional clues to identify the account owner.
9. Report the Account to Meta Support
If you were unable to determine the owner of the fake Instagram account using the methods above, then it is time to contact the platform. Instagram’s parent company, Meta, offers support for reporting suspicious or malicious accounts. Report the suspicious account to Meta using the platform’s reporting tools, detailing your issues with the account and any information or evidence you may have collected 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.
Techniques for Social Engineering to Find the Owner of an Instagram Account
Social engineering refers to manipulating people to give up information or complete tasks that they typically wouldn’t do. Social engineering can be effective in finding the owner of a fake Instagram account when used ethically and responsibly. Here are a few social engineering techniques you can consider:
1. Fake Account Method
Fake an account with a persona that would entice the fake Instagram account owner to engage with their content, and begin to communicate with them. Gradually, they may divulge information that can help you identify them.
2. Mutual connections
If you have mutual friends on Instagram, contact them discreetly and inquire about the identity of the fake Instagram account owner. People tend to share information with individuals they know or trust.
3. Phishing
Phishing refers to creating a deceptive website or e-mail that simulates a legitimate platform or service. Once the owner of the fake Instagram account enters their login credentials, you will obtain access to their account information. However, please note that phishing is prohibited and can result in severe consequences.
Tips to Protect Your Privacy on Instagram
While discovering the owner of an Instagram account may be your objective, protecting your own privacy is equally important. Follow these tips to safeguard your privacy while investigating:
1. Utilize a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will encrypt your Internet connection and hide your IP address, thereby adding an additional layer of protection and anonymity to your online activities while conducting an investigation.
2. Create a separate e-mail account: When performing investigations or communicating with suspicious accounts, utilize a separate e-mail account that does not link to your personal data.
3. Verify your social media accounts are secure: Review your privacy settings on Instagram and other social media platforms regularly to protect your personal information. Also, be cautious about sharing sensitive information publicly and limiting access to sensitive information.
Seek Assistance from NewReputation to Combat Cyberbullying
When the fake Instagram account is connected to a larger cyberbullying problem, seek assistance from a professional. NewReputation provides online reputation management and can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with cyberbullying. They have experience unearthing the identities of fake Instagram accounts owners and taking the necessary steps to minimize the harm caused.
Discovering the identities of the people behind fake Instagram accounts requires a combination of thoroughness, technical tools and ethics. Contact NewReputation to counteract the effects of online harassment.