Losing access to your Instagram account due to a hack or scam can be stressful and frustrating. Whether you’ve fallen for a phishing scheme, clicked on a malicious link, or had your account taken over, it’s essential to understand what’s happened and how you can take steps to recover your account and secure your online presence.

This page provides comprehensive guidance, broken into key sections:

1. Common Instagram Hacks and Scams

Understanding how scammers operate can help you recognise and avoid these schemes in the future.

Phishing Scams

Scammers send fake emails or messages pretending to be from Instagram, often claiming issues like suspicious login attempts or verification needs. They include a link to a fake login page that captures your credentials.

Fake Brand Collaborations

You receive a message offering a collaboration or sponsorship, asking you to click a link or download something. The link steals your login information, or the download infects your device with malware.

Giveaway and Contest Scams

Scammers claim you’ve won a contest and ask for sensitive information to claim your prize. These scams often lead to account takeovers.

Account Impersonation

Scammers create a duplicate of your profile or hack your account to impersonate you, using it to scam your followers.

Malware Links

You receive messages like, “Is this you in this video?” or “Check this out!” Clicking these links installs malware or redirects you to phishing sites.

2. How These Scams Work

Scammers rely on deception and urgency to trick you into providing sensitive information or clicking harmful links. Common tactics include:

• Exploiting trust: Using hacked accounts or fake profiles to seem legitimate.
• Creating urgency: Claiming immediate action is needed to prevent account suspension or loss of access.
• Targeting emotions: Promising prizes, collaborations, or solutions to fabricated problems.

Once they gain access to your account, scammers typically change your password, lock you out, and may use your account for fraudulent activities.

3. Can Our Company Fix Your Account?

While we understand how frustrating it is to lose access to your Instagram, it’s important to know that only Instagram has control over its accounts. As a cybersecurity company, we do not have the ability to:

• Recover your account directly.
• Hack into your account to retrieve it for you.
• Contact Instagram on your behalf to expedite the recovery process.

These actions are controlled entirely by Instagram and its automated recovery systems to ensure account security and integrity.

4. Steps You Can Take to Recover Your Instagram Account

If your account has been hacked or compromised, act quickly:

1. Use the “Forgot Password” Option

• Go to the Instagram login page and click “Forgot password?”
• Enter your email address, username, or phone number to receive a password reset link.

2. Report the Hack to Instagram

If you’re unable to reset your password, use Instagram’s Hacked Account Help Center.

• Select the option that matches your issue (e.g., “I think my account was hacked”).
• Follow the steps to verify your identity, which may include submitting a photo ID.

3. Check for Account Recovery Emails

If scammers changed your email address, Instagram may have sent a notification to your original email. Use the “Secure your account” link in that email.

4. Be Persistent

The recovery process can take time, especially if Instagram requires additional verification. Stay patient and follow up with Instagram as needed.

5. Getting Help from Instagram

Instagram provides tools and resources to assist users with account recovery. Here’s how you can access them:
Instagram Help Center

Visit the Help Center for detailed guides on account recovery and security issues.

Submit an ID for Verification

If required, upload a government-issued ID to prove your identity. Instagram will guide you through this process during recovery.

Use Instagram’s Support Features

In the app, go to “Settings” > “Help” to report issues or access support tools.

6. How to Secure Your Account for the Future

Prevent future hacks and scams by taking the following steps:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security by requiring a code in addition to your password. Use an authenticator app for even stronger protection.

Use a Strong, Unique Password

Avoid reusing passwords across platforms. A strong password should be a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Beware of Phishing Attempts

• Always verify emails and messages claiming to be from Instagram.
• Do not click on unsolicited links or provide login credentials outside of the official Instagram app or website.

Monitor Account Activity

Regularly check for unauthorised logins in your account settings. Log out of unfamiliar devices immediately.

Educate Yourself on Scams

Stay informed about common scams and tactics to better recognise them in the future.

Steps to Take If Your Email or Facebook is Hacked

1. Secure Your Email Account

Start by regaining control of your email, as it’s the gateway to most of your online accounts.

• Change Your Password: Log in and immediately update your email password. If you can’t log in, use your email provider’s recovery tools to reset it.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your email account by requiring a code for login.
• Check for Unauthorised Activity: Look for suspicious logins or settings changes, such as email forwarding rules or added recovery contacts. Remove anything unfamiliar.

2. Secure Your Facebook Account

If your Instagram is linked to Facebook, securing your Facebook account is critical.

• Change Your Password: Go to Facebook settings and update your password. Use a strong, unique password.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Require a code in addition to your password for login.
• Review Active Sessions: Check Facebook’s “Security and Login” section to see where your account is logged in. Log out of devices or locations you don’t recognize.
• Report the Hack: Use Facebook’s Help Center to report compromised accounts.

What to Do Next for Instagram

Once your email and Facebook are secure, proceed with Instagram recovery:

1. Reset your Instagram password using your secured email.
2. Disconnect compromised accounts by unlinking your hacked Facebook or email from Instagram in the app’s settings.
3. Enable two-factor authentication on Instagram for added protection.

How to Prevent This in the Future

Use Unique Passwords for Every Account

• A common mistake is using the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is hacked, others can be easily compromised.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere

• Set up 2FA for Instagram, Facebook, and your email. Use an authenticator app instead of SMS for added security.

Stay Alert for Phishing Attempts

• Be cautious of emails or messages claiming to be from Instagram, Facebook, or your email provider. Verify links before clicking, and never share your passwords or codes.

Monitor Connected Apps and Devices

• Regularly check what apps and devices are connected to your Instagram, Facebook, and email accounts. Revoke access to any that seem suspicious or are no longer in use.

If hackers gained access to your Instagram through your email or Facebook, securing all accounts is crucial to prevent further damage. Address the root cause by locking down your email and Facebook first, then focus on recovering Instagram.

Remember, maintaining strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication across all your accounts are the best defences against future attacks.

Recovering a hacked Instagram account can be a frustrating process, but understanding what happened and taking immediate action can increase your chances of success. While our company cannot directly recover your account, we’re here to provide guidance and resources to help you protect your online presence.

If you need additional support or information, explore our other articles on social media scams or reach out to Instagram’s Help Center for recovery assistance. Remember, proactive security measures are the best defence against future hacks!