The alleged spy has the same name as me. So suddenly I am very popular on Facebook

Since last Wednesday morning I've been battling to prove who I am. The first sign of trouble ahead came from my brother, who emailed to ask about my spying activities, and sent me a link to the story (I was on holiday in Cornwall at the time). Alongside his message I was surprised to see dozens of Facebook friend requests from people I had never heard of, often with Russian surnames.

I vetted them carefully. The profile pictures mostly belonged to sleazy men with foreign surnames but also included several women, some babies, a line drawing of a cowboy on a horse and even a princess. Some are braver than others and have sent messages. Kadir asks: "Want to meet you accept my bid you fix". While Patrick writes: "I want you to know that u have a lovely and welcoming smile. I love women who always put on smiles just like yours . . . you can visit my page and see to know more about me you will love it . . . Peace to you."

Anna Chapman the alleged spy has red hair; mine is brown. She is a 28-year-old diplomat's daughter who posts raunchy photos on her Facebook profile and claims that her online real estate firm is worth $2m. Our lives couldn't be more different. I'm a 38-year-old mother of two who gave birth less than six weeks ago. My nights are sleepless due to breastfeeding rather than partying with Philip Green at Annabel's.

But it's not just strangers – 73 and counting – who are contacting me. Friends and former colleagues are delighting in my case of mistaken identity. I have even been the subject of a group email called "OMG Anna Chapman – Russian spy" which features the line: "the new baby thing is just a cover".

But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying the attention. Pretending to be a James Bond glamourpuss, in however small a way, has shifted my focus from changing nappies. Living a double life has its attractions.