Hacked and being asked for money

What to do

1. Do not pay.
2. Hacked page.
3. Police report.

Where to start

Take this one part at a time. None of it needs to be done in a rush.

1. Take back the email account first. Change its password, sign out other sessions, and check forwarding rules.
2. Look for the change-alert email from the platform; many include a link to undo the change.
3. Use the platform's hacked page: instagram.com/hacked or facebook.com/hacked for Meta, Report a problem on TikTok, Snapchat Support's hacked form.
4. Secure business assets: remove unknown admins, partners and apps, and pause ads.
5. Tell friends and followers that recent messages may be fake. Call your bank about any charges.

Gather what shows it is yours

• Change-alert emails with dates.
• The original email and phone on the account.
• Photos or videos of yourself, for a selfie check.
• Bank statements showing unknown charges.
• The device you normally use.

Putting it into words

• Say what you have done since: email secured, password changed.
• Give the approximate time it started and what changed (email, phone, name).

Try not to do this

• Clicking links in messages that claim to be from the platform.
• Paying a hacker who offers to return the account.
• Using 'recovery' services that ask for your password or codes.

While you wait

• Turn on two-factor with an authenticator app or passkey and save backup codes.
• Remove sessions and devices you do not recognise.
• Change passwords on other accounts that shared the same password.
• Report fraud to the police or your national fraud service if money was taken.

If nothing changes

• The account was disabled after the hacker used it.
• Both the email and phone were changed.
• A Business Portfolio or ad account was taken.

What to send

• Your username or profile link.
• A screenshot of the notice or error, with the date visible.
• Which email or phone is on the account (just which one, never a code).
• What happened before it started, in a few lines.

Please do not send passwords, login codes, card numbers or access tokens.

How it works with Acctback

1. Message us on WhatsApp or email with the username and a screenshot of the notice.
2. We tell you honestly whether this is something we can help with. Terms are agreed with you before any work starts.
3. We prepare the appeal and the supporting details, to go through the platform’s own channels.
4. We stay in touch while you wait. The platform makes the final decision, and nobody can promise the outcome.

About Acctback

Acctback is an independent service that helps people get back accounts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and Threads, plus Meta ad accounts and Business Manager. We also help with usernames, impersonation and agency work. Contact: WhatsApp +1 934 201 2490 or team@unbanz.com. Independent service. Not affiliated with Meta.