Someone made a fake profile using my photos.

Simple answer

Report it to the platform first. Under the IT Rules, a platform must remove content impersonating you within 2 hours of your complaint. If the fake profile is used to cheat, harass or defame, it is also a crime — file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

Real-life examples

Joseph's photos were used on a fake profile that messaged his friends: 'Stuck in hospital, send ₹5,000.' This is cheating by personation. He warned his friends, reported the profile and filed a complaint on the cyber crime portal.

Meera found a page called 'Meera Fan Club' posting her dance videos. It does not pretend to be her, so it may not be impersonation. She can still report it to the platform for using her videos without permission.

What should you do?

1Take screenshots and copy the profile link and username before reporting — the profile may disappear.
2Use the platform's 'report impersonation' option. If nothing happens, write to its grievance officer (details are in the app's help or legal pages).
3Warn your friends and contacts not to reply or send money.
4If the grievance officer refuses or doesn't act, appeal online to the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) within 30 days.
5If the profile is used to cheat, threaten or post obscene content, file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Anyone who lost money should call 1930.

Exceptions & limits

A parody or fan account that clearly says it is not you is usually not impersonation, though the platform may still act under its own rules.
If the profile posts morphed or sexual images of you, stricter laws apply — see the topics on deepfakes and sextortion.

Official legal reference

Information Technology Act, 2000 — Section 66D
Cheating by pretending to be someone else using a computer or phone: up to 3 years' jail and fine up to ₹1 lakh.
Read the official text
Information Technology Act, 2000 — Section 66C
Fraudulently or dishonestly using someone else's password, electronic signature or other unique identification feature: up to 3 years' jail and fine up to ₹1 lakh.
Read the official text
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 319
Cheating by personation — pretending to be another real or imaginary person to cheat: up to 5 years' jail, fine, or both.
Earlier: IPC Sections 416, 419Read the official text
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 — Rules 3(2), 3A
Platforms must have a grievance officer and remove impersonating content on your complaint; you can appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee within 30 days.
Read the official text

Where to get help

National Cyber Crime Helpline

Report online financial fraud immediately so the money trail can be frozen.

Call 1930 cybercrime.gov.in

Source & status

Applies to: All of India
Law in force since: 27 Oct 2009
Legal review: Draft — awaiting lawyer review

Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.