My Instagram Account Got Hacked And How I Got it Back
Today I am going to share with you how my Instagram account got hacked and the steps I took to restore it. It’s a cautionary tale that everyone reading this post learns to protect themselves on the internet.
I was hacked on February 20th by a hacker from Turkey. My last Instagram post before I was hacked was this outfit from Talbots. I was planning on writing about wearing pink for spring.
How My Instagram(think) got Hacked
On Saturday afternoon I received a private dm(direct message) from someone pretending to be from Instagram telling me that I have violated copyright and community guidelines. After checking this fake Instagram profile I immediately blocked and reported the fake account. Always be leary of private accounts on Instagram! This was only the beginning of my Instagram nightmare.
This account is fake and was using someone else’s followers and following, probably a hacked Instagram account. (You will see how my account changed later)
I think the next two things caused my account to be hacked.
1. I accidentally clicked on a phishing link that was embedded in the text of an email.
After I reported the fake account to Instagram I received an email from what I thought was Instagram but it was a phishing email from the hackers asking me to change my password on Instagram. The email said that they noticed suspicious activity on my account and that I should change my password. I clicked the link, changed my password, and the hacker got into my account!!
Beware of suspicious emails and the links they include!
Phishing is a scam technique that uses fake messages, websites, and social engineering to lure information or money out of people and businesses. It mostly depends on peoples’ habits and emotions to cloud their judgment. Phishing has been around since the early days of the internet, but it’s still one of the most widespread forms of cyber attack: 32% of all data breaches last year involved phishing.
2. I didn’t have Two-Factor Authentication enabled on my IG Account.
Even though I know many influencers have been hacked even having the two-factor verification makes it harder for hackers to log in to your accounts if they do get your username and password.
The hacker immediately changed my name, password, email address, and phone number on my Instagram account.
How I got My Instagram Account back
On Sunday morning I woke up to a message on the What’s App (another app owned by Facebook)telling me that my Instagram was hacked. It also exposed the hacker’s phone number to me so I blocked and reported it. I wrote down the phone number and learned it was from Turkey. Notice at the bottom Instagram posted a message to my hacker that his buddy was also on Instagram?
Writing to Facebook or Instagram and Reporting It Doesn’t Work
After googling every article and blog post about hacked accounts I began writing to Instagram and Facebook with every screenshot and information I had about my hacked account. All I got was robot replies. At this writing currently, Facebook and Instagram do not have designated people to help us when we get our accounts hacked. Sadly, it falls on our shoulders to find people to help us. I have a business account which is beneficial because I reached out to many agencies that I work with. They all have Facebook ad managers who can help from the inside. You need an insider to get your Instagram account back. Reporting your account being hacked on the apps will not help you at this time.
Create a Backup Account
Worst case scenario is the possibility that you may not recover your Instagram account. I happened to take over my interior design Instagram account that only had 1739 followers. This was probably very confusing to my interior design community who follow me on Instagram when I had to explain my main account was hacked. However, so many wonderful women who followed me on Instagram mentioned me in their IG stories which created a larger SOS call to action. Creating awareness that my account was stolen also created a larger network of women who wanted to help me.
Stall the Hacker with Kindness and Avoid Paying the Good Hackers (If You Can) while waiting to recover your Instagram account
Did you know there are good hackers who will actually help you get your account back? This was so eye-opening for me but everyone has a gig. I had many “so-called” good hackers DM me to get my account back. Their accounts were private and were foreigners which gave them red flags! Yes, if this had gone beyond a week I was seriously considering paying someone to get back my account. There was a person who wanted $1500.00 to use their contacts at Instagram but said it would take two weeks. I don’t have two weeks and I’m not paying someone because they KNOW SOMEONE AT INSTAGRAM!
I had days when I ignored the hacker but he was always trying to get me to pay him $250.00 in bitcoin. Every day he would pop on and ask me to pay him. The ransom was not the problem, I actually thought it was pretty cheap, but I was hoping for a better solution. I knew he was getting desperate and needed money. So instead of paying him, I stalled him with kindness…
I made sure I was in charge of the situation and not give him the upper hand. Every day I had him prove that he would be honorable. He had taken down 128 photos and I made him put them back up.
Know Someone Who Knows Someone Who Works for Facebook or Instagram. (But don’t pay for the privilege)
It became apparent that I would never hear from Instagram because they don’t have a place to report being hacked that I had to ask people to help me. You really do need to contact someone who works at Facebook or Instagram to get your account back. My son had a friend who works at Facebook (He no longer works for Facebook) and that is how I got my account back. Instagram and Facebook are the only ones who can send you an email to change your password. Do it quickly because the hackers still have your account!
What to Do to Prevent This Happening to You
It might happen many times but we can at least try to prevent our accounts from being cyber hacked.
1. Use a Strong Password on Your Accounts
Always use a strong password that includes letters, numbers, and special characters. For maximum Instagram security, I use Google’s password manager: it generates strong passwords for you and keeps them secure. And don’t forget to change your passwords every 30 days. I changed 319 passwords last week because I was hacked.
2. Don’t Use the Same Password for Everything.
Don’t use the same password everywhere. I know it’s hard, but using the same password everywhere is one of probably the easiest ways that hackers can break in. So if you have the same Instagram password as your same banking information, those are things that can get you in some serious trouble.
3. Use a Different Email for Your Online Banking and Social Media accounts. Period.
I now have designated emails and passwords just for my banks and social media accounts. They are never used anywhere else in the universe.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is an additional step in the login process. I use Google Authenticator, so Instagram kicked me over to that app, where I copied a confirmation code that I then pasted in Instagram to complete the setup. Every time you want to access your account, you must type a code you received via SMS or an authentication app. While this might seem like drudgery and may take more time to log in, it’s worth enabling, as it adds an extra layer of security.
5. Don’t Give out Information to Strangers.
It’s easy to fall for a phishing scam on Instagram, so never click on any links received from strangers. If you see that a suspicious account has followed you, block it.
Also never give out personal information on the phone or in an email.
That’s one of the biggest things that attackers can leverage to get access to your data. Things like social security numbers, your credit card numbers. A person is not going to call you on the phone from a banking service and ask you for that type of information. So whenever you get a call, that’s too good to be true, or a call that is a fraud services line, call them back. Look at the number on the website themselves and call it back cause a lot of times attackers will impersonate financial services. They’ll impersonate different organizations to try to get your personal information and use that to be able to make fraudulent charges. So when it comes to that, your phone, verify first. Go to their site, call the site itself, off from there, and then call to an actual person that’s actually at that institute itself.
For those of you who get countless emails for collaborations, and rush through emails, slow down before you click the link!!
6. Keep your Computer and Apps up to date!
Please make sure that you stay up to date on your computer, phone, and iPads. Every time you have a Windows update that says hey I need to update your computer, it’s usually to fix a known attack that hackers have figured out to get access to your computer. So keep up to date whether you’re using a Mac, (they aren’t impervious to attack), or you’re using Windows, the same thing, update your systems. That’s the most important thing, always keep up to date with what you’re having out there. Same thing for third-party applications. You want to keep up to date and that makes it much harder for hackers to break into your system.
In Conclusion (and you thought this was going to be a short and sweet post)
This was an eyeopener for me because I knew that young women were having their Instagram accounts hacked but never thought the hackers would go after a woman over 60. They did. I learned a lot about how to protect myself and my personal information while being on the internet. I hope you learned a little bit more on how to protect yourself too.
Thanks for stopping by today! I know this was extremely long but I wanted to share with you what had happened to me so that it doesn’t happen to you!
Im so happy to hear that, also i know about a guy who works at fb and helps so many people to recover their accounts. http://Www.juanr325.com its his website, @juanr325 his instagram account, i heard good reviews about that person so many people mention him
My Instagram hacker immediately changed the associated email and phone number to the account… the problem I’m having is that they activated the two factor authentication using a secondary code generating app and now whenever I try to recover the account and change the password it sends the second authentication code to the hacker….
Does anyone know a way around this little problem???? FML
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I also Had a similar issue last month when I got an email from Craigh989 on Instagram claiming to want to use my influencer page for Ad promo. I foolishly just click on the link and that was how my account was hacked.
I tried everything I could, Contacted Instagram but I only got robot replies. I search many forums and BlogSpot to find out that hiring another programmer or hacker will surly help you recover your account.
I ended up using Sniffingnose AT repairman . com . They had more reviews on the platform on account recovery so I do not think it is the end of the world if your account was hacked.
I recommend Samurai to y’all. I found this Egyptian on this page who recovered my hacked Social media accounts , I am happy to announce that my request has been fulfilled,contact this Egyptian Samurai, on What app +1 (313) 474‑0711 for assistance,he’s very good..
Hi do you still have a contact at Facebook or Instagram that could help me? My Instagram got hacked by a guy in Nigeria on Saturday. Please I am super desperate. Dm me at my second Instagram account @sarah__travels__ if you don’t want to reply here. 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Unfortunately no Sarah.
Good luck.
Your best bet is to contact any of the businesses that have Facebook accounts.
They might help you. I know many girls had businesses help them.
Live Support – Instagram finally has live support for individuals who have been locked out of their accounts. Instagram is testing “live chat help for some English-speaking users globally, including creators, who’ve been locked out of their accounts.” The company says it’s the first time it has offered live support for the issue and that it’s focusing on people who can’t log in either due to unusual activity or because they’ve reportedly violated its community standards.
How do I access this live chat feature? I got hacked 3 weeks ago and have done over 100 selfie videos and none of them have confirmed my identity and it’s my business account so im 100% out of work until I can recover my account.
Brian,
If Instagram is a business account, you should have a Facebook ad manager.
I work with many agencies that have a Facebook ad manager and that is a great way to get Facebook to help you.
Sorry that this has happened to you but you need to know someone who works for Facebook.
I cant help you any further.
Best of luck.
Wow, thanks, very helpful, I guess i should just find someone that knows someone at Instagram to get my account back
Good Evening,
My name is Melissa M., I am a licensed pharmacist in the state of Florida. I am not sure that you will ever see this message as I am sure you are very busy but I am taking a huge leap of faith as I’ve tried everything else. I came across one of your articles about re-gaining access to your Instagram account. Unfortunately I have ran into the same issue where I temporarily deactivated my Instagram due to a passing in my family and I decided to take a mental health break. Upon return, the app is now asking me for a 6 digit backup code that is not being delivered. I’ve emailed and reported this to everyone that I could possibly think of (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp support) but no luck. I’ve even gotten so desperate that I began sending potential Facebook employees messages on FB for their help. As you can see my desperation has led me to you because Instagram and Facebook has not responded and it’s been weeks. I am willing to verify my identity with you, even pay. Do you think your son can have his Facebook friend assist in recovering my Instagram profile. The profile is bellefanm_. There is numerous photos of me on the profile and I primarily use it to share health related advice.
I pray and hope you receive this message and you’re able to take time out of your day to assist a stranger desperate to re-access my account. My email is [email protected]
Thank you again for your time.
Melissa,
My son’s friend left Facebook last June. I don’t know anyone personally to help you.
You have to download the app called Authenticator to get your 6 number verification code.
You deactivated your account and it wasn’t hacked.
Sadly, Instagram and Facebook have terrible customer service.
You are the second person to contact me today which is so sad that I can’t help either of you.
Well ı lived the same problem with you. I am from Turkey, and now i am taking cources about cyber security after ı was hacked by turkish hacker. I tried everythind and i traced the hacker. I found her/him. But in Turkey we don’t have justice to reclame any situation. In 1 month, no answer and no action from FB. By chance ı found you. Can you help me? Can you talk with your son? Sorry, i have no other credentials or chances to rescue my account. In the pandemic world no one cares. I followed you in my second account. Please write me back. [email protected]
People don’t take cyber security seriously until something bad happens. I use passwords that are 25 characters or more long. I know friends who use their date of birth, 4 digit numbers or even their own name. Makes no sense. My site recently conducted a two part investigation on how hackers obtain your passwords and the security breaches with different companies like Yahoo.
Part 2 is more in depth showing the websites hackers use to post the stolen personal info and how their website members get to it for their own uses and pleasure.
https://www.ario1.net/video-blogs/
That’s so scary. I’m glad you got it back!
Instagram has become a huge playground for hackers.
This is why it’s important to create strong passwords and use 2-factor verification.
Man, what an absolute nightmare. I need to read and re-read this and follow your tips. Thank goodness for your strength and tenacity!
xo,
Kellyann
Yes it was Kellyann!
I hope you never have to go through this!
As a veteran of the armed forces who goes through these classes I got hacked myself and the hacker is using my ig to scam others. I wish I could get the help to help me get my ig back.
Thanks for sharing all of the info! I have the 2 step authentication but probably need to change my passwords more often!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Yes, you need to change your passwords and use a different email for your banking that’s not associated with your social media platforms!
So sorry to hear this happened to you, there are some really horrible people in this world. Thanks for sharing all that helpful information.
Thank you Anita.
I hope this never happens to you!
Oh my goodness this is great information. I’m so sorry this happened to you.
Thank you Sue.
It’s crazy how so many of us leave ourselves open to being hacked!
Glad you got it back; hope I don’t need to refer back to this one day, but pinning for just in case!
I hope you never get hacked Sara!
It was a nightmare to deal with!
Robin, I am so sorry this happened to you and REALLY appreciate you giving us all the details. I enabled two-factor authentication!
A very informative blog Robin! Thanks for sharing your journey to getting yourself account back! I’m glad you were successful!
Thank you Julie.
However, I am still dealing with the hackers as they hacked my PayPal account even after I changed the password!
Change all your passwords if you haven’t done so and turn on the 2-factor verification!
This was definitely an eye opener Robin. It gave me chills reading about it. It’s confusing at times who to trust. Thank you for sharing this important information. More importantly I’m so happy that your back!
It’s still ongoing Nancy.
My Instagram account gave the hackers my main email and they hacked my PayPal account with it!
Even after I changed the password!
This is serious, Instagram needs to do something about their security. That was how my business account got hacked and nothing from their support. It was joshpagesolution @ gmail .Com
Janice,
Did Josh recover your Instagram account?
How much does he charge?
Thanks for sharing your hacked journey with us. I am so happy that you have your account back.
And you have certainly turned on the lights for me! I am saving this post and updating my accounts.
Rosemary
Great idea Rosemary!
Even though I got my Instagram account back I’m dealing with my hacked PayPal account because of this!
Stay tuned!
Hi, Robin – Congratulations on getting your account back! This is very confusing stuff. Thanks so much for explaining it in depth to help the rest of us. – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thank you Angie.
It’s amazing how so many women reached out to me to share their hacked Instagram account stories with me!
Crazy and dangerous world the internet has become!
Thank you for sharing, Robin… What a mess! I’m SO glad you got it sorted!
Yes it was a huge mess that I had to deal with every day!
Thankful my son has a friend who works for Facebook!