Question:

How can I recover my Instagram account after it was mistakenly deleted for impersonation?

I discovered a fake Instagram account that used my name, email address, and old photos from my Facebook profile. It also followed some inappropriate and irrelevant accounts. I suspect someone created it to mock me or damage my reputation. I reported the fake account as soon as I saw it, but instead of deleting it, Instagram deleted my real account. My real account was newer than the fake one, but it was linked to my Facebook account, which is still intact. Is there any way to restore my real account and get rid of the fake one?

Answer:

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1.5 billion monthly active users. However, with such a large user base, there are also some risks of encountering fake or impersonator accounts that may try to steal your identity, spam your followers, or harm your reputation.

One of the ways to deal with these accounts is to report them to Instagram, which will review them and take appropriate action. However, sometimes, Instagram may make a mistake and delete the wrong account, leaving you without access to your photos, videos, and messages.

This is what happened to one of our readers, who discovered a fake Instagram account that used their name, email address, and old photos from their Facebook profile. They reported the fake account as soon as they saw it, but instead of deleting it, Instagram deleted their real account. Their real account was newer than the fake one, but it was linked to their Facebook account, which is still intact. They asked us if there is any way to restore their real account and get rid of the fake one.

Fortunately, there is a way to appeal Instagram’s decision and request a review of your account. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• First, you need to access the [Help Center](https://help.instagram.com/) on Instagram’s website or app. You can also use this [link](https://help.instagram.com/contact/1652567838289083) to go directly to the form for appealing a disabled account.
• Next, you need to fill out the form with your full name, username, email address, and phone number. You also need to explain why you think Instagram made a mistake and provide any evidence that proves your identity and ownership of the account. For example, you can attach a photo of your government-issued ID, a screenshot of your Facebook profile, or a link to the fake account that you reported.
• After you submit the form, you will receive an email from Instagram with a verification code. You need to reply to that email with a photo of yourself holding a paper with the code and your username written on it. This is to confirm that you are the real owner of the account and not the impersonator.
• Once you send the photo, you will have to wait for Instagram to review your case and make a decision. This may take a few days or weeks, depending on the volume of requests they receive. You will receive another email from Instagram informing you of the outcome of your appeal. If they approve your appeal, they will restore your account and you will be able to access it again. If they deny your appeal, they will explain why and give you another chance to appeal or contact them for further assistance.

We hope this article helps you recover your Instagram account and get rid of the fake one. Remember to always be careful with your personal information and report any suspicious activity on Instagram. Stay safe and happy posting! 😊

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[Instagram by the Numbers: Stats, Demographics & Fun Facts](https://www.omnicoreagency.com/instagram-statistics/)