A friend request looks like someone I know. Is it real?
Ask your friend through a contact you had before the new request.
A second request can come from a copied profile or a real new account. An existing account can also be taken over.
A familiar photo, name or list of mutual friends does not prove who is using it.
You can leave the request pending while you check. You do not need AI to judge the face or writing.
- Do not accept or follow links just to test the account.
- Use a saved phone number or speak in person. Do not use a new number from the request.
- Ask if your friend made this account and sent the request.
- If they say it is a copy, report it through the app. Then block or remove the request.
- If their old account was stolen, tell them through the separate contact. They can use the service's own recovery steps.
Write a short note to a friend's known number. Ask if a new social account is theirs. Use placeholders. Do not include their photo, private details or an accusation.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
No reply yet? Leave the request pending instead of guessing.
Sources and more help
These links open in a new tab.