If you’ve fallen victim to a Facebook hack, you’re not alone. Millions of people have their Facebook accounts hacked every year. In fact, Facebook itself estimates that over 30 million accounts were hacked in 2018 alone. And while it can be a frustrating and scary experience, there are steps you can take to report the hack and protect your account.
The first step is to change your Facebook password. This will help to prevent the hacker from accessing your account again. Once you’ve changed your password, you should also report the hack to Facebook. You can do this by visiting the Facebook Help Center and clicking on the “Report a Hacked Account” link. Facebook will ask you to provide some information about the hack, such as when it happened and what the hacker did.
Once you’ve reported the hack to Facebook, they will investigate the incident and take steps to protect your account. They may also recommend that you take additional security measures, such as enabling two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in to your Facebook account. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password.
Gathering Evidence of the Breach
Documenting the hacking incident thoroughly is crucial for reporting to Facebook and law enforcement. Gather the following evidence:
Suspect Activity Log
Obtain the Facebook activity log to trackpicious login attempts, device changes, and other suspicious activity. Save a screenshot or download a copy for documentation.
Suspect Account Information
Capture the email address, phone number, and other contact details associated with the compromised account. Additionally, gather any information on the suspected hacker, such as IP addresses or social media profiles.
Suspicious Messages and Posts
If the hacker has posted or sent messages, take screenshots and document the content. These messages may contain evidence of unauthorized access or malicious activity.
Device Information
Record the device(s) used by the hacker to access your account. Note the IP addresses, device models, and operating systems associated with each login.
Timeline of Events
Create a detailed timeline outlining the events leading up to the breach, including any suspicious activity you noticed, date and time of the hack, and subsequent actions taken.
Additional Evidence
Consider collecting any additional information that may be relevant, such as correspondence with Facebook support, reported phishing emails, or social engineering attempts.
Contacting Facebook Security Team
After submitting a report through the Help Center, you can also contact the Facebook Security Team directly. This is recommended for cases involving serious security breaches or threats.
Reporting a Hacked Account
To report a hacked account to the Facebook Security Team, follow these steps:
- Visit the Facebook Security Team’s contact page: https://www.facebook.com/hacked
- Select the “My Account was Hacked” option.
- Provide your email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account.
- Click the “Get Started” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password and secure your account.
When reporting a hacked account, it is essential to provide as much detail as possible. This includes:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Account username | The username associated with your hacked account. |
| Email address | The email address linked to your Facebook account. |
| Phone number | The phone number associated with your Facebook account. |
| Date and time of hacking | If possible, provide the approximate date and time when your account was hacked. |
| Unauthorized activities | Describe any unauthorized activities performed on your account, such as posting, sending messages, or accessing private data. |
| Suspected hacker’s email address or IP address | If you have any information about the suspected hacker, such as their email address or IP address, provide it to the security team. |
The Facebook Security Team will review your report and take appropriate action to secure your account and prevent further unauthorized access.
Resetting Facebook Password and Account
If your Facebook account has been hacked, you should take immediate action to reset your password and regain control of your account.
Step 1: Visit the Facebook Login Page
Go to the Facebook login page and click on “Forgot Password?”.
Step 2: Enter Your Email Address or Phone Number
Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account and click “Search”.
Step 3: Choose a Reset Method
Choose how you want to reset your password. You can either receive a reset link via email or text message, or you can answer your security questions.
Step 4: Follow the Instructions to Reset Your Password
If you choose to receive a reset link, open the email or text message and click on the link. If you choose to answer your security questions, answer them correctly to reset your password.
Once you have reset your password, you will be able to log back into your Facebook account. It is recommended that you also change your password for other online accounts that use the same email address or phone number.
Here is a quick reference table for resetting your Facebook password:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Facebook login page and click “Forgot Password?”. |
| 2 | Enter your email address or phone number and click “Search”. |
| 3 | Choose a reset method (email, text message, or security questions). |
| 4 | Follow the instructions to reset your password and regain control of your account. |
Review Security Settings and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
1. Review Your Password Complexity
Ensure your Facebook password is strong and unique. It should be at least 12 characters long and include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information or common words.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a one-time code in addition to your password when logging in. This code is sent to your phone or email and prevents unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.
3. Check Your Login History
Review your login history to identify any suspicious activity. If you notice unrecognized logins, report them immediately to Facebook.
4. Manage Your App and Website Logins
Go through your connected apps and websites to ensure only authorized third-party applications have access to your account. Remove any suspicious or unused apps.
5. Configure Privacy and Personalization Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Who can see my posts? | Control who can view your posts and personal information. |
| How can people find me? | Decide who can search for you on Facebook. |
| What information do you share? | Manage what personal data is shared with others. |
| How you use Facebook | Review your activity logs and manage how your data is used. |
| Sensitive Information | Configure sharing settings for sensitive data like your phone number and email address. |
Reporting Suspicious Activity to Law Enforcement
If you believe your Facebook account has been hacked, it’s crucial to report the incident to law enforcement. Here’s how:
1. Gather Evidence
Collect any evidence of the hack, such as screenshots of suspicious emails, messages, or login attempts.
2. File a Police Report
Contact your local police department and file a report. Provide all the evidence you have gathered.
3. Notify the FBI
In some cases, you may need to report the hack to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if it involves cybercrimes, such as identity theft or financial fraud.
4. Report the Hack to Facebook
Notify Facebook about the hack through their official reporting process. Follow the instructions provided by the platform.
5. Freeze Your Credit
If your personal information has been compromised, consider freezing your credit with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent identity theft.
6. Monitor Your Accounts
Keep an eye on your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions immediately to your financial institution.
| Step | Action | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather Evidence | Screenshots, emails, messages |
| 2 | File a Police Report | Local authorities |
| 3 | Notify the FBI | Cybercrimes, identity theft |
| 4 | Report to Facebook | Official reporting process |
| 5 | Freeze Your Credit | Equifax, Experian, TransUnion |
| 6 | Monitor Your Accounts | Bank, credit cards |
Freezing Financial Accounts Tied to Facebook
If your Facebook account has been hacked, it’s crucial to protect your financial accounts linked to it. Here are the steps you should take to freeze those accounts:
1. Contact Your Bank
Notify your bank immediately about the hack and request that they freeze any accounts connected to your Facebook profile.
2. Contact Credit Card Companies
Reach out to the credit card companies associated with your Facebook account and inform them of the compromise. Request that they freeze your credit cards and issue new ones.
3. Contact PayPal
If you have a PayPal account linked to Facebook, freeze it by contacting PayPal and reporting the hack.
4. Contact Other Financial Institutions
Inform any other financial institutions, such as investment accounts or mortgage lenders, about the hack and request that they take protective measures.
5. Change Passwords
Change the passwords for all your financial accounts and any other accounts that may have been compromised due to the hack.
6. Monitor Your Credit
Check your credit report regularly for suspicious activity and dispute any unauthorized charges.
7. Consider Identity Theft Protection
If you are concerned about identity theft, consider signing up for an identity theft protection service that can monitor your credit and provide alerts for potential fraud.
| Financial Institution | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Bank | [Bank name] | [Phone number] | [Email address] |
| Credit Card Company | [Credit card company name] | [Phone number] | [Email address] |
| PayPal | [Phone number] | [Email address] |
| Other Financial Institutions | [Institution name] | [Phone number] | [Email address] |
Monitoring Credit and Identity
Reporting a Facebook hack is crucial, but it’s equally important to safeguard your credit and identity. Hackers may have gained access to sensitive personal information, putting you at risk of fraud and identity theft.
1. Contact Credit Bureaus
Freeze your credit with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your knowledge.
2. Request a Free Credit Report
Obtain a free credit report from each bureau to review your credit activity and identify any suspicious activity.
3. Monitor Credit Regularly
Use a credit monitoring service or regularly check your credit reports for unauthorized transactions or inquiries.
4. Change Passwords
Change the passwords for all online accounts, especially financial accounts, email, and social media.
5. Report Identity Theft
If you suspect identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
6. Contact Relevant Institutions
Alert your banks, credit card companies, and utility providers about the hack and ask them to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
7. Use Strong Passwords
Create strong and unique passwords for all online accounts and avoid using common words or personal information.
8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication for all accounts that support it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email when you log in.
| Credit Bureau | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Equifax | 1-888-766-0008 |
| Experian | 1-888-397-3742 |
| TransUnion | 1-800-680-7289 |
Changing Passwords for Other Accounts Accessed by Facebook
If you discovered that your Facebook account was compromised, it’s crucial to take immediate action to secure your other accounts that may have been accessed through Facebook.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Facebook using a secure device.
- Go to the “Settings & Privacy” menu.
- Select “Security and Login.”
- Scroll down to the “Apps and Websites” section.
- Review the list of apps and websites that have access to your Facebook account.
- Revoke access to any apps or websites that you don’t recognize or no longer use.
- Reset your Facebook password.
- Contact the customer support teams of any other accounts that you believe may have been accessed through Facebook.
- Request to reset your password and enable two-factor authentication for these accounts.
Additionally, it’s important to check the privacy settings of your Facebook account to ensure that information such as your email address, phone number, and birth date are not publicly visible. By taking these steps, you can help secure your other accounts and prevent unauthorized access.
| Account | Action |
|---|---|
| Reset password, revoke access to unauthorized apps | |
| Gmail | Reset password, enable two-factor authentication |
| PayPal | Reset password, contact support for further security measures |
Report a Hacked Facebook Account
If your Facebook account has been compromised, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your privacy and security. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report being hacked on Facebook:
1. Secure Your Account
Change your password and enable two-factor authentication to prevent further access by unauthorized individuals.
2. Report the Hack
Visit the Facebook Security Center and click on the “Compromised Account” option. Follow the on-screen instructions to report the hack.
3. Provide Evidence
If possible, provide Facebook with evidence of the hack, such as screenshot of suspicious messages or emails.
4. Monitor Your Account
Keep an eye on your account activity for any unusual behavior and report any suspicious activity immediately.
5. Check for Unauthorized Access
Review the “Where You’re Logged In” section in your account settings to see if there are any unrecognized devices or locations accessing your account.
6. Remove Suspicious Apps
Check your “Apps and Websites” section and remove any unauthorized or suspicious apps that may have been installed by the hacker.
7. Contact Your Friends and Family
Inform your Facebook friends and family about the hack to prevent them from falling victim to scams.
8. Change Other Accounts’ Passwords
If you used the same password for other accounts, change them immediately to prevent further compromise.
9. Check for Credit Monitoring
Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service to monitor your credit activity for any unauthorized transactions.
Seeking Professional Assistance for Identity Protection if Necessary
In some cases, a hack may involve identity theft or other serious security threats. If you suspect that your identity has been compromised, it’s essential to seek professional assistance from the following sources:
| Organization | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Federal Trade Commission (FTC) IdentityTheft.gov |
1-877-ID-THEFT https://www.identitytheft.gov/ |
| Equifax | 1-800-525-6285 https://www.equifax.com/personal/ |
| Experian | 1-888-EXPERIAN https://www.experian.com/ |
| TransUnion | 1-800-680-7289 https://www.transunion.com/ |
These organizations provide free identity protection services, such as credit freezes, fraud alerts, and identity theft monitoring.
How To Report Being Hacked On Fb
If you think your Facebook account has been hacked, there are a few things you can do to report it and regain access to your account.
First, try to log in to your account. If you can’t log in, click on the “Forgot password?” link on the login page. You’ll be asked to enter your email address or phone number, and then you’ll be sent a link to reset your password.
If you’re still unable to log in, you can report your account as hacked by clicking on the “Help” link at the bottom of the login page. Then, select “Security and Login” and then “I can’t access my account.” You’ll be asked to provide some information about your account, such as your email address or phone number, and then you’ll be given instructions on how to recover your account.
Once you’ve regained access to your account, it’s important to change your password and enable two-factor authentication. This will help to protect your account from being hacked in the future.
People Also Ask About How To Report Being Hacked On Fb
How do I know if my Facebook account has been hacked?
There are a few signs that your Facebook account may have been hacked, such as:
- You’re unable to log in to your account.
- Your password has been changed.
- Your email address or phone number has been changed.
- Your profile picture or cover photo has been changed.
- Your friends are receiving messages from you that you didn’t send.
What should I do if my Facebook account has been hacked?
If you think your Facebook account has been hacked, you should:
- Try to log in to your account.
- If you can’t log in, click on the “Forgot password?” link on the login page.
- If you’re still unable to log in, you can report your account as hacked by clicking on the “Help” link at the bottom of the login page.
How can I protect my Facebook account from being hacked?
There are a few things you can do to protect your Facebook account from being hacked, such as:
- Use a strong password.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Be careful about what you click on in emails and on the web.
- Don’t share your password with anyone.
