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Twitter Impersonation – What to do when this happens to you
Let’s face it, sometimes you are just so fabulous that someone else feels the need to copy you. I am sure this happens to you in many ways, even if you don’t realize it. Maybe it is the way you do business, how you dress, the words you use – those little things that make you, you.
But, what happens when imitation is NOT the sincerest form of flattery? Did you know that someone can copy your identity on Twitter?
It has happened to a few great Twitter peeps that I know, like and trust. It happened to @CariCole last year, and the person who impersonated her was broadcasting very disrespectful tweets regarding her industry. This posed a serious problem for her as they were using her name, photo and bio. They even linked to her website, making the situation all the more problematic for Cari.
It has also happened to Samantha from @StarfishEvents and, most recently to one of my very own clients @MarleneKeys, a Law of Attraction trainer.
You can see in the image below (click on the image for a larger view) how this Twitter impersonator has set up a Twitter account and is using Marlene’s photo, bio, even the Twitter handles of people that Marlene actually knows, and is now impersonating the real Marlene Keys.
The great thing is, when you have built up a community on Twitter, it doesn’t usually take long for someone to notify you that this is happening. Marlene’s friends let her know pretty quickly so she could get a handle on the situation before it spiraled out of control.
The question then becomes how do you stop it?
Twitter makes it easy to Report Violations when this happens to you.
Most people don’t pay attention to the help section on Twitter but they should. It can be a valuable resource to you. If this ever happens to you all you have to do is click on Help from the drop down menu on the top right corner and you will automatically access the Twitter Help Center.
From there, click on Report Violations and then Report a Violation where you will next select Impersonation.
This page will give you all the details on how to submit a ticket to get your Twitter Impersonation resolved. It is a simple process and, people I know who have dealt with these situations have had them resolved quite quickly by following the instructions on the Twitter Impersonation page.
If you are more of a Twitter novice than a Twitter rock star and are looking for ways to learn more about Twitter (trust me, I know it is often a complex and confusing site to use when you first start out!) please take a look at my Twitter Intensive Training that is guaranteed to teach you exactly how to become a Twitter Master!
And, if we haven’t connected yet on Twitter, just search for me: @LisaLarter
Please feel free to share this with anyone you know who needs to know this information. And, if you come across a post from one of your Tweeps that seems a little “off”, take a second look and let your friend know. It may not actually be who you thought it was. Impersonation in real life and on Twitter should never be taken lightly.
Happy and Safe Tweeting!
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