Fake Meta/Facebook Profile Cloning Scam
Scammers clone real Facebook users' profiles by copying their name, photo, and public information to create a duplicate account, then impersonate the victim to defraud their friends — often using the Meta brand in messages to add false credibility.
Part of: Profile Cloning & Impersonation Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Facebook profile cloning is one of the most common forms of social impersonation on the platform. A scammer copies a user's publicly visible profile photo, cover photo, and bio to create a new account with the same name, then sends friend requests to the original user's friends. Because the friends recognise the face and name, many accept the request.
Once accepted, the cloned account messages these new 'friends' with requests for money, claims of an emergency, or links to malicious sites. Crucially, some campaigns bolster credibility by claiming the account is officially endorsed by Meta — referencing Meta's blue verification badge or claiming the message is a Meta security notice.
The real Meta does not send Facebook messages through personal accounts, and a verified badge can only be seen on the authentic account — not on a newly created duplicate.
How this scam works on the Meta/Facebook brand
A victim's friend receives a friend request from what appears to be them but is actually a newly created clone. The friend may not notice they are already connected to the real account. Once the request is accepted, the cloned account sends a message: 'Hi, did you get that investment opportunity I sent?' or 'I'm stuck overseas and need $200 sent quickly — I'll pay you back.'
Another pattern involves the cloned account messaging 'I've been locked out of my main account — Meta asked me to verify from this new one, could you confirm my identity by sending me a code they texted you?' The code is actually the friend's own account-recovery code, allowing the scammer to take over the friend's account as well.
Some cloned profiles impersonate public figures or small business owners to solicit fraudulent product payments.
Common red flags
- You receive a friend request from someone already in your friends list — check by searching their name first.
- The new account was created very recently and has few friends or posts.
- The account messages you asking for money, gift cards, or personal codes.
- The account claims it is 'Meta-verified' or that Meta told them to contact you from the new account.
- The message includes an urgent story about being stranded, hospitalised, or hacked.
- The friend's style of writing or the story told feels inconsistent with how you know them.
How to protect yourself
- Set your Facebook profile photo, friend list, and personal details to 'Friends Only' or 'Only Me' to make cloning harder.
- If you suspect your profile has been cloned, use the 'Find support or report profile' option on the duplicate account and select 'Pretending to be me.'
- If a friend who is already in your list sends a new friend request, call or text them directly to verify before accepting.
- Alert your Facebook friends if your profile is cloned so they do not accept requests from the duplicate.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your real account to prevent a complete account takeover.
How to report it
- Report the cloned profile directly on Facebook: visit the profile, tap the three-dot menu, and select 'Report profile' > 'Pretending to be someone.'
- If you are the person being impersonated, use facebook.com/help/contact/295309487309948.
- Report financial fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- In the UK, report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Facebook profile has been cloned?
Search for your own name on Facebook. If you see a duplicate profile with your photo, report it immediately using the Report Profile option and alert your friends.
Will Facebook remove a cloned profile quickly?
Meta reviews reports and typically removes impersonating accounts, but timescales vary. Reporting from the person being impersonated is treated as higher priority. Encourage your friends to report the clone too.
Can I prevent my profile from being cloned?
You can reduce the risk by setting your profile photo visibility to Friends Only and limiting what strangers can see on your profile, though determined scammers may still use publicly visible information.