It Ain’t Me, Babe

Hi.

A few of you have brought a certain Instagram account to my attention.

Which I appreciate, so thank you!

At first I ignored it but as more of you reach out, I feel that I had better address it.

This isn’t me.

I don’t have an Instagram account. I used to, but when my wife who didn’t follow me started to get recommendations to follow me, then I stopped trusting the algorithm. The last thing I needed was for her sister to find my account which isn’t as paranoid as you might think.

Anyway, this account is using my pictures (at least they use cute ones) but I couldn’t tell if they were just randomly posting photos or if they were hoping others would think that this was indeed my account or that the pictures were of the account user.

But I’m hearing that the account holder is engaging with others (I mean, that’s what social media is meant for) and discussing things that I don’t typically discuss.

I don’t want people to think that this is me. My reputation, with all it’s flaws and missteps and earned criticism, is/was earned. I am not perfect but I want to keep the reputation that I have earned, for good and for bad.

I have no idea what to do and I doubt I can really do anything. I spent yesterday morning exploring Instagram’s website about reporting fake accounts or at the very least finding an email address I could write to, but nothing.

This is the risk of having an internet presence. Someone takes your photo and can do whatever they wish to, whether it’s photoshopping me into an orgy (this happens) or creating a fake social media account.

My only social media accounts are Twitter and BlueSky. If you see me anywhere else it’s very likely a fake account.

Combating identity theft on social media is like fighting a hydra. You cut off one head, and another appears.

Love, Hannah