Catching the reader’s attention
Your Facebook account has been hacked? That’s a nightmare! It feels like your whole world has been turned upside down. All of your personal information, your photos, your messages – everything is now in the hands of a stranger. But don’t panic. There are steps you can take to delete your hacked Facebook account and start over.
First things first: secure your other accounts
If you think your Facebook account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is secure your other online accounts. Hackers often use the information they steal from one account to try to hack into other accounts, so it’s important to change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all of your important accounts.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to deleting your hacked Facebook account
- Change your password. This is the first and most important step. Once you’ve changed your password, the hacker will no longer be able to access your account.
- Enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your account. When you enable two-factor authentication, you’ll be asked to enter a code from your phone whenever you log in to your account from a new device.
- Report the hack to Facebook. Once you’ve secured your account, you should report the hack to Facebook. Facebook will investigate the hack and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
- Delete your account. If you’re no longer comfortable using Facebook, you can delete your account. Deleting your account will permanently remove all of your data from Facebook.
Identify Compromised Account
Recognizing a compromised Facebook account is crucial to initiate the recovery process promptly. Here are some telltale signs that your account may have been hacked:
Unauthorized Activity
Unexpected login attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices, changes to your profile information, unfamiliar posts or messages, or suspicious activity in your account settings are all indicators of a compromised account.
Email Notifications
Facebook sends email notifications for significant account changes. If you receive emails about password resets, privacy setting modifications, or unrecognized login attempts, it’s essential to act immediately.
Unusual App Permissions
Third-party apps with excessive permissions can compromise your account. Review the list of apps connected to your Facebook account and remove any suspicious or unfamiliar ones to limit potential security breaches.
Phishing Attacks
Hackers often send phishing emails or messages that mimic legitimate messages from Facebook. These emails may request your login credentials or contain links to malicious websites. Be cautious when clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information through unverified sources.
Security Alerts
Facebook’s security features may display alerts or messages if suspicious activity is detected. Pay attention to these alerts and follow the recommended steps to secure your account.
Sign | Definition |
---|---|
Unauthorized Login Attempts | Logins from unfamiliar locations or devices |
Unexpected Account Changes | Changes to profile information, posts, or messages without your knowledge |
Suspicious App Permissions | Third-party apps with excessive access to your account information |
Phishing Emails or Messages | Messages requesting login credentials or containing malicious links |
Security Alerts | Notifications from Facebook about suspicious activity |
Change Your Password
If you think your Facebook account has been hacked, the first step is to change your password. This will prevent the hacker from accessing your account again. To change your password, follow these steps:
- Go to the Facebook login page.
- Click on the “Forgot Password?” link.
- Enter your email address or phone number.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- Follow the instructions to reset your password.
- Log in to your Facebook account.
- Click on the down arrow in the top-right corner and select “Settings and Privacy.”
- Navigate to the “Apps and Websites” section in the left-side menu.
- Review the list of apps and websites connected to your account. Look for anything unfamiliar or suspicious.
- Hover over the app or website you want to remove and click the “Remove” button.
- Navigate to your Facebook settings.
- Click on “Security and Login.”
- Scroll down to “Where You’re Logged In.”
- Examine the list of active and recent login sessions.
- Pay attention to unfamiliar devices, locations, or login times that don’t align with your usual usage patterns.
- Unknown devices or browsers
- Logins from unusual locations
- Logins at unexpected times
- Multiple login attempts from the same device or location
- Logins from a device you don’t recognize
- Log in to your Facebook account.
- Click the triangle-shaped down arrow located on the top-right corner and select “Settings & privacy”.
- Select “Settings”.
- Click on “Security and Login” in the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the “Two-Factor Authentication” section and click “Edit”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a security method, such as receiving a code via text message or using an authentication app.
Once you have enabled 2FA, you will be required to enter both your password and a one-time code whenever you log in to your Facebook account from a new device or browser.
Security Method How it works Text message (SMS) A one-time code is sent to your mobile phone via SMS. Authentication app A one-time code is generated by an authentication app installed on your mobile device. Security key A physical security key is inserted into your computer’s USB port to generate a one-time code. Choosing the right security method depends on your personal preferences and the level of security you desire. Text message (SMS) is the most convenient option, while a security key provides the highest level of protection.
Lock Your Account Temporarily
If you believe your Facebook account has been hacked, locking your account can help prevent the hacker from continuing to access it. Here are detailed steps on how to lock your Facebook account temporarily:
1. Navigate to the Facebook Login Page
Go to the Facebook login page at facebook.com and click on the “Forgot Password” link.
2. Enter Your Email or Phone Number
Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account and click on the “Search” button.
3. Select “My Account Was Hacked”
On the next page, select the option that says “My Account Was Hacked.”
4. Click “Secure Your Account”
Facebook will display a list of options to secure your account. Click on the “Secure Your Account” button.
5. Reset Your Password
Follow the instructions to reset your password. You will need to enter your current password if you have access to it or create a new strong password if not.
6. Log Out All Active Sessions
Once you have reset your password, go to the “Security and Login” settings in your Facebook account. Under “Where You’re Logged In,” click on the “See More” button and log out of all active sessions except the one you are currently using.
7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
After locking your account, it is highly recommended to enable two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your account. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or a third-party authentication app when you log in to your account.
Steps Description 1. Go to the “Security and Login” settings in your Facebook account. 2. Under “Two-Factor Authentication,” click on the “Edit” button. 3. Select the method you want to use for two-factor authentication (text message or authentication app). 4. Follow the instructions to set up two-factor authentication. Delete Hacked Account
If you believe your Facebook account has been hacked, it’s crucial to take immediate action to secure it and regain control. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to delete a hacked Facebook account:
1. Report Account as Compromised
Notify Facebook that your account has been compromised by reporting it as hacked. This will help them investigate the issue and take necessary steps to protect your account.
2. Change Password
If you have access to your email address or phone number associated with your account, reset your password immediately. This will lock the hacker out and prevent them from accessing your account.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Activate two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account. This requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email when logging in, making it harder for hackers to access your account.
4. Review Recent Activity
Check your Facebook activity log to identify any suspicious activities, such as posts you didn’t create or messages you didn’t send. Report any unauthorized activity to Facebook.
5. Remove Connected Devices
Review the list of devices connected to your Facebook account and remove any unfamiliar or unauthorized devices.
6. Contact Facebook Support
If you’re unable to regain control of your account, contact Facebook support and provide them with as much information as possible. They may be able to assist you in recovering your account.
7. Deactivate Account
If you’re temporarily unable to access your account, you can deactivate it to prevent the hacker from using it. Deactivating your account will hide your profile and prevent anyone from contacting you on Facebook.
8. Suspect Friends
If your account has been hacked, it’s possible that the hacker could have gained access through a compromised friend’s account. Review your friend list and remove any suspicious or unfamiliar users. Consider notifying these friends about the breach to protect their own accounts.
Email
If you have access to your email, change your Facebook password through the “Forgot Password” option.Phone Number
Use your phone number to reset your password via SMS.Contact Facebook Support
If you can’t access your account, you can contact Facebook Support to report it as hacked. Here’s how:
1. Visit the Facebook Help Center
Go to https://www.facebook.com/help/ and search for “hacked account”.
2. Select “My Account Has Been Hacked”
Click on the option that says “My Account Has Been Hacked”.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions
Follow the on-screen instructions to provide Facebook with information about your account and the date it was hacked.
4. Provide Your Contact Information
Enter your email address and/or phone number so Facebook can contact you.
5. Submit Your Report
Click “Submit” to send your report to Facebook.
6. Wait for a Response
Facebook will review your report and get back to you as soon as possible.
7. Recover Your Account
Once Facebook has verified your identity, they will help you recover your account and secure it.
8. Change Your Password
Create a strong new password for your account.
9. Secure Your Account
Step Description Enable Two-Factor Authentication Add an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code to log in. Review Your Security Settings Check your account settings to ensure that your privacy and security settings are up to date. Report Suspicious Activity If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to Facebook immediately. Stay Vigilant Be cautious of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Use a Password Manager Create strong passwords and store them securely in a password manager. Check Your Emails Monitor your emails for suspicious emails from Facebook, especially if they ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. Secure Future Accounts
To prevent your Facebook account from being hacked again, follow these steps:
1. Use a strong password
Your password should be at least 12 characters long and contain a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common words or phrases, and don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
2. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone or email when you log in. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password.
3. Be careful about what you share
Don’t share personal information, such as your birthdate, address, or phone number, on social media. Hackers can use this information to target you with phishing attacks or other scams.
4. Be aware of phishing scams
Phishing scams are emails or websites that look like they’re from Facebook, but they’re actually fake. These scams try to trick you into giving up your login information or other personal information. Never click on links in emails or text messages from people you don’t know, and be wary of websites that ask you to log in with your Facebook account.
5. Keep your software up to date
Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your account from hackers. Make sure you’re always running the latest versions of your operating system, browser, and other software.
6. Be careful about what apps you authorize
When you authorize an app to access your Facebook account, you’re giving it permission to collect your personal information and post on your behalf. Only authorize apps that you trust, and be sure to check the app’s privacy policy before giving it permission to access your account.
7. Be aware of the risks of public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, which makes them a potential target for hackers. Avoid logging into your Facebook account or other sensitive accounts when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
8. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data. This can help protect your privacy and security when you’re using public Wi-Fi or other unsecured networks.
9. Be aware of the latest hacking techniques
Hackers are constantly developing new ways to attack Facebook accounts. Stay informed about the latest hacking techniques so that you can take steps to protect your account.
10. Don’t be afraid to report suspicious activity
If you think your Facebook account has been hacked, or if you see any suspicious activity, report it to Facebook immediately. You can report suspicious activity by clicking on the “Report a Problem” link at the bottom of any Facebook page.
Action Protection and Prevention Use a strong password Prevents unauthorized access to your account Enable two-factor authentication Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email when you log in Be careful about what you share Prevents hackers from using your personal information to target you with phishing attacks or other scams Be aware of phishing scams Protects you from giving up your login information or other personal information to fake websites or emails Keep your software up to date Includes security patches that can help protect your account from hackers Be careful about what apps you authorize Protects your personal information and prevents apps from posting on your behalf without your permission Be aware of the risks of public Wi-Fi Prevents hackers from intercepting your data when you’re using public Wi-Fi Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) Encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data Be aware of the latest hacking techniques Allows you to take steps to protect your account from new hacking techniques Don’t be afraid to report suspicious activity Helps Facebook investigate and prevent future hacking attempts How To Delete A Hacked Facebook Account
If your Facebook account has been hacked, you should delete it immediately to protect your personal information. Here are the steps on how to delete a hacked Facebook account:
- Go to the Facebook website and log in to your account.
- Click on the down arrow in the top right corner of the screen and select “Settings & Privacy”.
- Click on “Settings”.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Your Facebook Information”.
- Click on “Deactivation and Deletion”.
- Select “Delete Account” and then click on “Continue”.
- Enter your password and click on “Delete Account”.
Your Facebook account will be deleted within 30 days. During this time, you will not be able to access your account or any of the data associated with it.
People Also Ask About How To Delete A Hacked Facebook Account
What should I do if my Facebook account has been hacked?
If your Facebook account has been hacked, you should follow these steps:
- Change your password immediately.
- Log out of all devices and re-login.
- Review your account settings and make sure that nothing has been changed.
- Contact Facebook support if you need further assistance.
How can I prevent my Facebook account from being hacked?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your Facebook account from being hacked:
- Use a strong password and don’t reuse it for other accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Be careful about what you click on and what information you share online.
- Keep your software up to date.
What if I can’t access my Facebook account because it has been hacked?
If you can’t access your Facebook account because it has been hacked, you can try the following:
- Try to reset your password.
- Contact Facebook support.
- Report the hacked account to law enforcement.
Once you have changed your password, be sure to choose a strong password that is not easy to guess. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
In addition to changing your password, you should also review your account settings to make sure that the hacker has not made any unauthorized changes. To do this, click on the “Settings” tab in the top right corner of the Facebook page. Then, click on the “Security and Login” tab. On this page, you can review your recent login activity, check which devices are logged into your account, and change your password.
If you find any suspicious activity on your account, you should report it to Facebook immediately. You can do this by clicking on the “Help” link in the top right corner of the Facebook page and then clicking on the “Report a Problem” link.
Here are some tips for creating a strong password:
Do | Don’t |
---|---|
Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. | Use common words or phrases. |
Make your password at least 12 characters long. | Use the same password for multiple accounts. |
Avoid using personal information, such as your name, birthday, or address. | Write down your password or share it with anyone. |
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect that your Facebook account has been hacked, it’s crucial to report the suspicious activity promptly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
1. Check Your Security Settings
Go to “Settings & Privacy” and then “Privacy and Settings” from the Facebook menu. Check “Security,” “Login Approvals,” and “Connected Devices” for any unauthorized access or suspicious activity. If you find anything unusual, take immediate action.
2. Change Your Password
Change your password immediately from the “Settings & Privacy” menu. Choose a strong password that is different from any other password you use. Avoid using personal information or common words. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
3. Contact Facebook Support
If you’re unable to recover your account through the previous steps, contact Facebook Support. You can report the hacked account through the following methods:
Method | Steps |
---|---|
Facebook Help Center | Go to the Facebook Help Center and search for “Report a Hacked Account.” Follow the instructions to submit a support request. |
Send an email to security@facebookmail.com with the subject line “Hacked Account.” Include the email address associated with the hacked account and a brief description of the situation. | |
Phone | Call Facebook’s customer service number if it’s available in your region. You may be asked to provide additional verification information over the phone. |
When reporting the hacked account, provide as much detail as possible, including the date and time of the suspicious activity, any unauthorized posts or messages, and any changes made to your account settings.
Disable Suspicious Apps
Once you’ve changed your password and regained control of your account, it’s crucial to identify and remove any suspicious apps connected to it. These apps may have been installed by the hacker to gather information or compromise your account further.
To disable suspicious apps, follow these steps:
It’s advisable to remove any apps or websites you don’t recognize or use regularly. You can also review the permissions granted to each app to ensure that they are appropriate.
Once you have disabled suspicious apps, it’s recommended to enable two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your account. This will require you to enter a code sent to your phone or email when you log in, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your account even if they have your password.
Review Login History
To pinpoint suspicious activity and potentially identify the source of the hack, review your login history. Follow these steps:
Suspicious Login Indicators
Here are some red flags to look out for when reviewing your login history:
Device | Location | Time |
---|---|---|
Unknown Browser | Warsaw, Poland | 11:32 AM |
iPhone | Your Home | 1:03 PM |
Android Device | Madrid, Spain | 9:58 PM |
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to your Facebook account provides an additional layer of security beyond just your password.
To enable 2FA: