# Respond to online impersonation

Duration: 79.27 seconds

## 00:00:00.000 — Your professional identity

On screen: Respond to impersonation carefully

An account using your name or photograph can confuse patients and colleagues. Respond through a clear process instead of starting a public argument with the account.

## 00:00:12.133 — Preserve the facts

On screen: Save the relevant evidence

Record the account address, the date and the material showing the impersonation. Keep evidence securely, and avoid sharing patient details while asking others for help.

## 00:00:24.500 — Report the account

On screen: Use the platform process

Use the platform's current impersonation reporting route and follow its instructions. Tell the appropriate practice or hospital contact so your team's response is consistent.

## 00:00:37.033 — Protect your own access

On screen: Review account security

Check your genuine account's security settings and enable available additional sign-in protection. Be cautious about messages claiming that urgent payment or a password is needed to remove an account.

## 00:00:50.833 — Inform people appropriately

On screen: Use verified channels

If clarification is needed, use your established professional channel and keep the message factual. Seek appropriate advice if the activity includes threats, fraud or misuse of confidential information.

## 00:01:06.033 — Today's action

On screen: Make your genuine contact easy to find

Check that patients can identify your official practice contact details. A short, coordinated response helps protect your name without amplifying the false account.

## Sources

- [BMA: Dealing with abuse of practice staff on social media](https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/gp-practices/complaints-in-primary-care/dealing-with-abuse-of-practice-staff-on-social-media-from-patients)
- [BMA: Ethics of social media use for doctors](https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/ethics/personal-ethics/ethics-of-social-media-use)