Investigative Reporter Targeted by Imposters Using His Identity Online

Photo illustration by Alex Bandoni/ProPublica. Source image: John Springer Collection/Getty Images.

A call from an unknown number with a Canadian area code changed everything. A man identifying himself as a Canadian military official asked if I had been contacting him via WhatsApp to request information. As an investigative reporter at ProPublica, I frequently reach out to sources, but I could not recall any recent attempts to contact Canadians. The official warned, ‘It seems as though someone is impersonating you.’

I had no idea what Fake Me was asking about. Were they using my name, my photo, or both? How could I confirm the caller’s identity? The Canadian official assured me he would send a message from his government email, including screenshots of his conversation with Fake Me, to verify his legitimacy. After exchanging pleasantries, I casually asked if there was anything he’d like an investigative reporter to investigate—unaware I was still working him for information.

The screenshots later revealed a profile using my ProPublica headshot and a Miami phone number. I have never lived in Florida. The imposter’s message read: ‘This is Robert Faturechi from ProPublica. I really need to get in touch with you.’

The Canadian official, whose work involves international dealings including Ukraine, requested discretion about his role. I alerted ProPublica’s security team, who confirmed there was little they could do beyond reporting the fake account to WhatsApp. We complied, and I moved on—until two weeks later, when another warning arrived.

Second Imposter Targets Latvian Businessman Linked to Ukraine

A Latvian businessman reached out via LinkedIn, concerned he had been speaking with an imposter on Signal. He had never chatted with me on the encrypted messaging app but received a message from someone using my profile photo and claiming to be me. The Latvian, who runs an organization supplying equipment to the Ukrainian military and collaborates on drone projects with Ukrainian forces, shared screenshots of the interaction.

Fake Me had messaged: ‘Am I right in understanding that you are an expert in the field of UAVs?’—referring to unmanned aerial vehicles. The imposter added, ‘My clients are particularly interested in the application of UAVs in Ukraine.’ The Latvian had offered to discuss the topic further by phone, but Fake Me—who