Identity impersonation in digital communications

Identity is more than a logo

A fraudulent account may reuse a company name, portrait or public information. Visual similarity alone does not verify control of the account.

Look for independently confirmed channels, established contact records and inconsistencies in the request.

Limit the value of exposed details

Public information can be assembled into convincing stories. Review what your organisation publishes about staff roles, invoices and internal procedures.

For private individuals, protect identity documents and choose carefully where copies are shared.

Document and report impersonation

Save the relevant URLs, timestamps and accessible messages before reporting an abusive account to its platform.

Avoid making unsupported public accusations. Identification of a person behind a profile may require formal legal procedures outside Vigifraude’s scope.

Explore relevant guidance