Easton Secure Solutions

Can a Private Investigator Find Out Who’s Behind a Fake Social Media Account?

Jul 29, 2025By Easton Secure Solutions

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In today’s world, nearly anyone can hide behind a fake profile. Whether it’s harassment, fraud, identity theft, impersonation, or just plain trolling, anonymous social media accounts can cause real damage. Victims are often left wondering: Who is this person? And how do I stop them?

If you're dealing with a suspicious or fake profile, you're not alone—and yes, a licensed private investigator can help.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we specialize in using advanced OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools to track down and identify the real individuals behind fake or anonymous accounts. Our firm serves clients throughout Long Island and New York City, delivering discreet, legal, and court-admissible results.

 
Why Someone Might Create a Fake Account


Fake accounts can serve many purposes—some seemingly harmless, others far more malicious. Common motives include:

  • Harassment or cyberbullying
  • Stalking or spying on an ex-partner
  • Impersonating someone to damage their reputation
  • Business sabotage or employee attacks
  • Attempting scams or fraud (romance, crypto, phishing, etc.)
  • Avoiding detection while gathering intel

These aren’t just annoyances. In many cases, fake profiles lead to emotional distress, reputational harm, financial loss, or legal risk.

 
How Private Investigators Identify Anonymous Accounts


Unlike the police (who may not investigate unless a serious crime is committed), a private investigator can begin work immediately. And unlike generic people-search websites, we use real investigative tools and specialized OSINT techniques to unmask fake profiles.

Here’s how the process works:

 Step 1: Collecting All Available Data
The more information you have, the better. When you hire us, we’ll ask you to share:

  • Screenshots of posts, messages, or threats
  • URLs of the fake account(s)
  • Any known usernames, aliases, or connected handles
  • Times/dates of activity
  • How you first encountered the account

Even if the account has blocked you or deleted posts, we can often preserve and retrieve the digital footprint using archival and forensic tools.

 
Step 2: Advanced OSINT Profiling
This is where our expertise shines. OSINT is the backbone of fake profile investigations. It includes legally gathering and analyzing data from publicly available sources and metadata.

Our tools and methods include:

  • Username & Alias Cross-Referencing
    • We check for username reuse across platforms (Reddit, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, etc.)
    • We identify matching usernames tied to email leaks or older profiles
      EXIF & Metadata Recovery
    • We analyze images posted by the account
    • If the metadata hasn’t been stripped, it may reveal location, camera device, or timestamps
  • Reverse Image & Face Matching
    • We use facial recognition tools to identify stolen or repeated images
    • Helps distinguish between catfish accounts and real users
  • Linkage Analysis
    • We analyze relationships between posts, followers, and interactions to see what other accounts they might control
    • Behavioral fingerprinting reveals patterns (language, grammar, tone, emojis) that can be compared to known individuals
  • Domain and Email Tracing
    • If the user links out to a website, we investigate domain ownership
    • We scan usernames through breached credential lists, which may reveal associated email addresses or other platforms
  • IP Leak & Technical Trails (When Applicable)

In some cases, investigators can work with attorneys to subpoena IP logs or obtain legal data requests However, most of our work is done through non-intrusive, legal OSINT methods
 
Step 3: Cross-Verification With Human Intelligence
Tech alone isn’t always enough. We often:

  • Match writing style and digital behavior to known suspects
  • Identify locations, times of activity, and clues that help connect dots
  • Use pretext inquiries when legal and appropriate to collect indirect intel
  • If the person behind the account slips up even once, we can follow that trail.

 
Real Case Example: Defamation Via Instagram


A Long Island real estate agent came to us after a fake Instagram account began posting false claims about her business. The page used:

  • A fake name and no mutual followers
  • Stolen listing photos
  • Targeted hashtags related to her zip code

Using OSINT and behavior analysis, we identified:

  • A Gmail address linked to the account via a breached data dump
  • That the same username had reviewed a local bakery on Yelp (using a real name)
  • That the IP used to create the Instagram account had accessed a local community forum two minutes later

Within a week, we confirmed the identity: a disgruntled former client using a throwaway account. The findings were used in a successful cease-and-desist letter and helped her restore her reputation.

 
Can This Be Used in Court?


Yes. Our findings are documented and formatted for legal use. You’ll receive:

  • A full investigative report with timeline
  • Screenshots, metadata, and tool outputs
  • Supporting declarations or affidavits if needed
    These reports can support:
  • Restraining orders
  • Cease-and-desist enforcement
  • Defamation lawsuits
  • Police or FBI cybercrime complaints

 
How Long Does It Take?

Every case is different. Some fake profiles are amateur and crack within a day. Others use VPNs, burner devices, or encrypted apps, which require deeper analysis.

On average:

  • Basic OSINT Investigation: 2–5 business days
  • Advanced Pattern Analysis: 1–2 weeks
  • Legal prep or subpoenas: Dependent on attorney and court cooperation

We keep you updated throughout the process with findings and strategy.

 
What Does It Cost?


Fake account investigations are custom-quoted, depending on the platform, complexity, and whether legal prep is needed.

Typical pricing:

  • Basic Username Trace & Report: $199–399
  • Full OSINT Identity Unmasking: $699–999
  • Add-on Surveillance or Legal Coordination: Quoted as needed


We never charge for services you don’t need. If it’s something simple, we’ll tell you upfront.

 
What Platforms Can You Investigate?


We handle cases across all major and many niche platforms:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • X (Twitter)
  • Snapchat
  • Telegram & WhatsApp (limited)
  • Reddit & Discord
  • LinkedIn (impersonation)
  • Dating apps (Tinder, Hinge, Bumble)
  • Craigslist, OfferUp, and niche forums


Even if the account was recently deleted, we can often recover archived data or identify linked accounts.

 
What If I Only Have a Screenshot or One Post?


That’s enough to start. We've cracked cases using only:

  • A single DM
  • A comment on a post
  • An obscure username
  • A photo with visible EXIF data


Digital footprints are surprisingly deep. Even one mistake by the perpetrator can lead us to their real identity.

 
Why Work With Easton Secure Solutions LLC?


We are not just using Google and social media. We employ:

  • Licensed access to proprietary data platforms
  • Industry-grade OSINT tools
  • Facial recognition engines
  • Forensic capture of online activity

We’re discreet, legal, and meticulous. You get a full report that you can use—whether you want answers, action, or just peace of mind.

 
Let’s Unmask the Truth


If you’re being harassed, impersonated, or stalked by someone hiding behind a screen, it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right investigative tools, we can legally and ethically uncover who’s behind the profile and help you reclaim your peace of mind. In Person Field Investigations available in NYC and Long Island. Digital Investigations available in New York State and some cases Nationwide.

 
📞 Call today: (516) 962-1267
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔍 Explore Our OSINT Services
🛡️ Request a Confidential Case Review

 
Easton Secure Solutions LLC — Bringing clarity to the digital chaos.