Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp hacked? Immediate steps

You can no longer get into your social media account, or friends report strange messages from you? Then your account was probably taken over. What matters now is acting fast, because perpetrators often use your account to defraud your contacts.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

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Your chances of getting your money back

Hijacked accounts are used to ask for money in your name, send phishing links or hijack further accounts. The faster you react, the smaller the damage.

Most platforms have recovery procedures ('account hacked'/'forgot password'). With the associated email/phone number you can often get back in.

What you should do now

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1. Start recovery
Use the platform's 'forgot password' or 'my account was hacked' function. Change the password and remove unknown devices from the active sessions.
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2. Secure the email account
First secure the linked email account (own password, 2FA); it is the master key.
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3. Warn your contacts
Inform friends/followers (through another channel) that your account was hacked and that they should not follow any request for money or links.
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4. Report and file a complaint
Report the incident to the platform and, in the event of fraud/extortion, to the police. Save screenshots as evidence.

How to spot the scam

You suddenly can no longer log in.
Friends receive requests for money or links 'from you'.
Notifications about logins from unfamiliar countries/devices.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my hacked account back?

Through the platform's recovery function ('forgot password' / 'account hacked'). First secure the linked email account, then set a new, unique password and activate two-factor login. Remove unknown sessions/devices.

Am I liable for fraud someone commits through my hacked account?

For money that third parties pay to fraudsters you are generally not liable; the perpetrators act against your will. It is important to warn quickly and to report/file a complaint about the incident, to limit the damage and to clear yourself.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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More help: Emergency by phone · Act together · Right to a lawyer · All guides

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.