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General information only — not legal, medical, or professional advice.

SSaathi
Cybercrime

Identity Theft or Impersonation

Someone is using your name, photos, or documents without your permission.

What this generally means

Impersonation and misuse of personal documents online are punishable offences, and platforms are required to act on verified takedown requests.

Your journey

  1. You Are Here

    You're trying to understand what to do about identity theft. That's a good first step.

  2. Understand Issue

    Read through what this situation generally means and what your options are.

  3. Gather Documents

    Collect the evidence and paperwork that will support your case.

  4. Contact Resource

    Reach out to the most relevant authority, helpline, or legal aid service.

  5. Escalate If Needed

    If the first contact doesn't resolve things, escalate to a higher forum or authority.

  6. Follow Up

    Track your complaint's status and keep records of every response you receive.

Common next steps

  1. 1Report the fake profile/content directly to the platform for takedown.
  2. 2File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
  3. 3Alert people in your network who might be targeted by the impersonator.
  4. 4Consult a cyber law legal aid clinic if the impersonation causes financial or reputational harm.

Useful documents

  • Screenshots of the fake profile/content
  • Proof of your real identity
  • Any messages from people who were deceived

Relevant authorities

  • National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
  • Platform Trust & Safety Team

Frequently asked questions

How do I prove it's not me?+

Government ID, your verified original account, and a written statement usually suffice for platform takedown requests.

What if financial fraud happened using my identity?+

Report to both the Cyber Crime Portal and your bank immediately, as this may also involve financial fraud.

Verified resources

Government Resource

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

I4C (Ministry of Home Affairs) portal to report all types of cybercrime, especially crimes against women and children. Supported by the 1930 helpline.

1930cybercrime.gov.in
VerifiedLast reviewed: 2026-06-01
Legal Aid

District Legal Services Authority (Cyber Cases)

Free legal aid for victims of identity theft, hacking, and online impersonation, via NALSA's district network.

15100nalsa.gov.in
VerifiedLast reviewed: 2026-06-01
Educational Resource

Understanding the IT Act (Guide)

Plain-language explainer on cybercrime provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

VerifiedLast reviewed: 2026-06-01