Chapter 1: The Rise of Impersonation on Medium

It has finally happened: I have a doppelgänger. This isn't just my problem; it could very well be yours too. While I'm aware I’m not the first to bring this issue to light on Medium, I feel compelled to emphasize it, especially for those who follow my work.

Recently, there's been a troubling trend where individuals or bots create counterfeit Medium profiles that mimic genuine writers, using their names and images. These fraudulent accounts inundate the comments section of authentic stories, urging readers to contact them via a "WhatsApp" number. The outcome of such interactions is anyone's guess.

Rest assured, I will NEVER request that you reach out to me through WhatsApp, nor will I ever ask for money or personal details. A quick tip: most of these fake profiles tend to have very few followers, which is a strong indicator of their legitimacy.

Unfortunately, the best course of action we can take is to report these fraudulent profiles as we encounter them. If you come across any suspicious comments or profiles, simply click on the three dots next to the post to report it.

If you receive any unusual messages purportedly from me, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or report it to Medium directly for their investigation. Your vigilance is greatly appreciated!

I strive to review and reply to as many comments on my stories daily, but moving forward, I will need to be even more diligent. I will also keep an eye on your stories as I read through them each day.

If any of you have faced similar situations, do you have tips on identifying fake profiles? I search my name online several times a week, but these impostors usually manage to evade detection.

If you haven’t joined Medium yet, consider signing up through my referral link to access all my writings and those of many other fascinating individuals. 👉 Sign up here 👈

Chapter 2: How to Protect Yourself from Impersonators

Let’s work together to keep our Medium community safe!