'I went straight to panic mode': Limerick-based journalist reveals impact of identity theft

A LIMERICK-based journalist has warned that identity theft is becoming "one of the greatest problems of our generation" after her identity was stolen to create a fake Instagram account promoting explicit content.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline with Kieran Cuddihy, Jasmin Griffin who works as a regional reporter for the Irish Independent and also previously worked for the Limerick Leader said she first became aware of the account after receiving a message from a friend.

"I woke up to a very ominous message from my pal saying, 'Hey. You just started following me on Instagram again'," she explained.

"At first I thought this was a joke, and when I clicked on the screenshot, I realised someone had actually created a fake profile using my name and my picture to promote explicit content."

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The account used a photo from her master's graduation at the University of Limerick in 2023.

Jasmin said the fake account featured her photo alongside claims she was the "girl next door" with a "dark secret,” encouraging users to click on external links. It also tagged her own personal Instagram account in an apparent attempt to appear legitimate.

She explained that she was concerned about the reputational damage this account could have on her career.

"I am a regional reporter in Limerick for the Indo. I go to council meetings, I'm constantly in touch with local politicians... I don't want this to be attached to my name," she said.

"I started thinking who might have seen this, who might have gotten a follow request off this page, what assumptions are people making before they realised it was not me."

Among the material shared was a video showing used underwear alongside links advertising explicit content. Jasmin said she deliberately avoided clicking on any of the links.

"Two things went through my head. One was this could be a hack trying to get access to me in a deeper way like trying to take hold of my personal account," she said.

"The second thing was, what happens if I click this and it's AI deepfakes of me doing things that I did not want to see myself in any positions or in any precarious scenarios... That was really what worried me the most."

Describing the incident as "extremely violating" and “anxiety inducing,” Jasmin admitted she initially felt ashamed despite knowing she had done nothing wrong.

"Logically, I knew I had nothing to be ashamed of. It wasn't me and I was not responsible, but when you're in a professional capacity with somebody, they don't know what you do after 5pm."

Following advice from her employer's HR department, Jasmin reported the incident to both Meta and An Garda Síochána.

She criticised Meta's initial response after the company informed her that the account did not breach its community standards.

"It wasn't until I had contacted friends of mine and family members, hey look at this page, please report it.

"I was questioning how reports are assessed, whether enough is being done to actually protect people when their identity is being misused."

Jasmin said she considered herself fortunate that the account remained online for only about an hour, but argued that stronger protections are needed before harm is done.

"There is a bigger conversation needed about responsibility and safeguarding because a lot of burden falls on the person being targeted," she said.

"Gathering evidence, taking screenshots, asking family and friends ‘please report this’, just constantly escalating it for yourself."

She also expressed concern for younger victims who may experience similar incidents.

"I'm 27 years of age and since it happened I've been worrying for 17 and 18-year-olds, or even younger people that may be experiencing this now, having to go back to school in September and something like this may have happened to them.”

Jasmin concluded: "There just should not be any shame attached to having your identity stolen... Just document everything, report it and seek support."