Tools & Tips for Covert Research Accounts for Internet Investigations

Author: Paulo Bingue (LinkedIn)

Creating and managing covert research accounts, commonly known as "sock puppets," is a critical skill for anyone conducting internet investigations. These profiles, unlinked to your real identity, help protect your anonymity and prevent your target from knowing they are being investigated. Here's everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining these accounts effectively.

Why Covert Profiles Matter

Using your real social media accounts during investigations is risky. Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIN may notify your target through friend suggestions or other alerts. To avoid exposure, always use dedicated covert accounts under a false persona identity.

Key Tips for Creating Covert Profiles

1. Email Matters
   Never use your personal email for covert accounts. Instead, create a clean, new email address. Popular providers like Gmail and Yahoo are heavily monitored, so opt for alternatives like ProtonMail or Fastmail.some text
   • ProtonMail offers secure, encrypted email services, ensuring your communications remain private.
   • Fastmail provides a clean, anonymous email service and doesn't require a pre-existing email for registration. It's less scrutinised by platforms like Facebook.
2. Profile Content
   An empty profile can appear suspicious. Populate your account with minimal but realistic fake details using tools like:some text
   • This Person Does Not Exist – Generates realistic AI-created profile pictures.
   • ElfQrin & Fake Name Generator – Create full identities, including names, birthdays, and even occupations.
   • This Rental Does Not Exist – Generate AI-created home interiors for added realism.
3. Avoid Platform Scrutinysome text
   • Facebook: Use the mobile application to create accounts and avoid phone number verification. Clear your browser cache and disable any VPN before signing up.
   • X/ Twitter: You can often create accounts without verification if you provide a legitimate email.
   • Google: Use a ProtonMail or Fastmail email for account creation. Access Google via Chrome for better success rates.
4. Phone Verification
   Some platforms require a real phone number. For this, I recommend using Silent Link to get temporary, anonymous phone numbers. This service allows you to receive SMS verification messages without exposing your personal number. Once verified, you can switch to a VOIP number and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
   Alternatively, you can purchase cheap options like Mint Mobile SIM cards for short-term use.
5. Stay Active
   Keep your accounts active to avoid suspension. Log in regularly and engage minimally to maintain authenticity.

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Bonus Tip: Enhance Your Privacy with Firefox Multi-Account Containers

To avoid mixing your covert accounts with your personal online activities, I highly recommend using Firefox Multi-Account Containers. This tool, available for free from Mozilla, allows you to separate your online life into colour-coded tabs. Cookies are kept separate by container, enabling you to use multiple accounts without cross-contamination. By combining this with Mozilla VPN, you add an extra layer of privacy and security. I use this every day to ensure that my covert investigations remain discreet.

The Takeaway

Building covert profiles isn't just about creating accounts—it's about crafting believable online personas. By leveraging the right tools and strategies, you can operate discreetly and effectively during investigations.