Someone is copying your business on WhatsApp: reporting a fake account that uses your name or logo

WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy says a business must not impersonate another business or entity, misrepresent its affiliation with one, or otherwise mislead customers about the nature of its business. It adds that Meta may treat an account as breaking its rules if it takes on someone else's name or brand, or speaks in the voice of another business, without permission.

The Messaging Guidelines, which apply to every WhatsApp user, say people must not share intellectual property they have no right to use, and list deceiving people through impersonation under fraud and spam.

Your name or logo: a trademark report

The policy describes a trademark as a word, slogan, symbol or design, such as a brand name or logo, that tells one business's goods or services apart from another's. A business that believes content on WhatsApp violates its trademark reports it through a contact form linked from the policy.

Your photos or written work: a copyright report

Copyright protects original work such as photos, art and writing. The policy says copyright does not protect names, titles or slogans, which is why a copied shop name belongs in a trademark report, not a copyright one.

Scam messages to customers: a report from the chat

The Messaging Guidelines say users can report contacts, groups, status updates and specific messages. A customer who received a message from the fake account reports it there.

If the copy runs ads: an ad report

Meta's help article on reporting ads says an ad seen on Facebook or Instagram can be reported from the feed: Options next to the ad, then Report ad. To find one later, search the Meta Ad Library by keywords or the advertiser's name, then choose Options and Report ad. Meta says reports may lead it to review the ad again.

Before you report

For trademark claims, the policy suggests the business may want to message the account first. Someone using a similar name by mistake may change it once asked.

The policy also says that a person who keeps posting content that infringes intellectual property may have their account banned or their Channel suspended, and that actions later reversed on appeal or withdrawn by the rights owner are taken into account. The restrictions and appeals guide covers what Meta does when an account breaks its rules.