Online impersonation is when someone pretends to be someone else online, usually in order to trick people into giving them information or money. This can happen on social media, dating websites, or even through email. Sometimes people will create fake accounts using someone else's name and photos, or they'll hack into an existing account and change the information. They may also use different methods to contact people, such as direct messages, comments, or even emails. If you're not careful, it's easy to be taken in by an online impersonator. Here are some tips for avoiding online impersonation: • Be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue, especially if they seem too friendly or eager to help. • Don't give out personal information like your full name, address, or date of birth to anyone online unless you're sure you can trust them. • If someone asks you for money, don't send it without first verifying their identity. You can do this by asking for a video call or meeting in person. • Be suspicious of any unexpected requests for access to your computer or social media accounts. This could be a sign that someone is trying to hack into your account. • Keep an eye out for any strange activity on your accounts, such as new posts that you didn't write or changes to your profile photo. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the platform immediately and change your password.