How To Delete A Hacked Facebook Account

Reporting the Hacked Account to Facebook

Step 1: Visit Facebook’s Help Center

Navigate to https://www.facebook.com/help/ and select “Security and Login” from the menu on the left.

Step 2: Find the “My Account Was Hacked” Option

Under “Protecting Your Account,” click on “My Account Was Hacked.”

Step 3: Complete the Report Form

Facebook provides a detailed report form that you need to fill out. The form includes the following fields:

Field	Description
Email Address or Phone Number	Enter the email address or phone number associated with your hacked account.
Full Name	Provide your full legal name.
Date of Birth	Select your date of birth from the dropdown menu.
Additional Information	Describe the hacking incident in detail, including any unusual activities or changes you have noticed.
Proof of Ownership	Upload a photo or scan of your government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license) or utility bill as proof of ownership.

Step 4: Submit the Report

Once you have filled out the report form, click on the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page.

Step 5: Wait for a Response

Facebook will review your report and take appropriate action to secure your account. The response time may vary depending on the severity of the hacking incident.

Changing Your Password and Security Settings

Once you’ve regained control of your account, it’s crucial to bolster its security. Here are some steps to strengthen your account’s protection:

Change Your Password

Select a strong and unique password that isn’t associated with any other online accounts. Avoid using personal information like your birthdate or pet’s name.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication

This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or email address whenever you log in from an unrecognized device.
Review Your Account Permissions

Check which apps and websites have permission to access your Facebook account. Remove any suspicious or unused apps to limit potential vulnerabilities.

To manage permissions:

Step Action

1 Go to Settings & Privacy

2 Click on “Apps and Websites”

3 Review and remove any suspicious or unwanted apps

Step	Action
1	Go to Settings & Privacy
2	Click on “Apps and Websites”
3	Review and remove any suspicious or unwanted apps

Unlinking Your Hacked Account from Other Platforms

Once you’ve secured your hacked Facebook account, it’s crucial to unlink it from other platforms that may have been compromised. By doing so, you’ll prevent the attackers from accessing sensitive information and causing further damage. Here’s a detailed guide:

Unlinking Apps and Services

1. Navigate to Settings > Apps and Websites.
2. Click on “Logged in with Facebook” to view a list of all the apps and websites that have access to your Facebook account.
3. Go through each app and click on “Remove” to unlink them.

Revoke Access from Devices

1. Go to Settings > Security and Login.
2. Click on “Where You’re Logged In” to see a list of all the devices where you’re currently logged in to Facebook.
3. Click on “See More” to expand the list and identify any suspicious devices.
4. Select “Log Out” next to the devices you don’t recognize or trust.

Note that unlinking your hacked Facebook account from other platforms may not be enough to protect your accounts on those platforms. It’s recommended to also change the passwords for those accounts and be vigilant for any suspicious activity.

Securing Your Email and Other Accounts Associated with Facebook

After recovering your hacked Facebook account, it’s crucial to safeguard your other online accounts linked to the compromised Facebook profile. Here are some comprehensive steps to ensure your digital security:

1. Change Your Facebook Password

Update your Facebook password with a strong combination that differs from any passwords used on other platforms. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection.

2. Reset Linked Account Passwords

Examine your email and other accounts associated with Facebook and promptly reset their passwords. Use unique passwords for each account to minimize the risk of additional breaches.

3. Check Email Filters and Forwarding Rules

Hackers often redirect emails to their own accounts to gain access. Review your email filters and forwarding rules to ensure they are intact and have not been tampered with.

4. Monitor Your Credit and Financial Accounts

Hackers may attempt to access your financial information linked to your Facebook account. Regularly monitor your credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity.

5. Secure Your Email Account in Depth

Your email account serves as a gateway to many other online accounts. Implement the following measures to enhance its security:

Measure	Description
Enable 2FA	Add an extra layer of protection by requiring a one-time code sent to your phone or email whenever you log in.
Use a Password Manager	Generate and store strong passwords for all your accounts securely using a reputable password manager.
Be Wary of Phishing Emails	Avoid clicking links or opening attachments in emails from unknown senders.
Update Software Regularly	Install the latest security updates for your email application and operating system to patch vulnerabilities.
Enable Security Alerts	Configure your email account to receive notifications of suspicious activity or login attempts from unfamiliar devices.

Recovering Your Hacked Account through Facebook’s Support

If you have exhausted all the self-help options, you can reach out to Facebook’s support for assistance. Here’s how:

1. Go to Facebook’s Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help

2. Click on “Report a Problem” in the top right corner.

3. Select “Something Else” from the drop-down menu.

4. In the text box, provide a clear and detailed explanation of your situation, stating that your account has been hacked.

5. Include any relevant evidence or information, such as screenshots or email notifications.

6. Submit your request and wait for a response from Facebook’s support team.

Note: The response time from Facebook support can vary depending on the volume of requests. Be patient and check your email regularly for any updates.

Once you have regained access to your hacked account, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to secure it:

Step	Action
1	Change your password.
2	Review your security settings and enable two-factor authentication.
3	Check your recent login activity and remove any suspicious devices or locations.

Disabling or Deleting Your Hacked Account

Contacting Facebook

If you suspect your account has been hacked, immediately contact Facebook through the “Help Center” or “Report a Problem” feature. Provide as much information as possible, including details of the suspicious activity and any changes made to your account.

Resetting Your Password

Change your password immediately to prevent further unauthorized access. Use a strong, unique password and consider using a password manager for enhanced security.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection. This requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email address every time you log in.

Disabling Your Account

If you’re unable to regain access to your account, you can temporarily disable it. This will prevent the hacker from using it while you work on recovering it.

Reporting the Hack

Report the hack to local authorities or cybersecurity organizations. This will help track the perpetrators and prevent future attacks.

Deleting Your Account

As a last resort, you can permanently delete your Facebook account if it has been compromised beyond recovery. Note that this action is irreversible.

Timeline for Account Recovery

The timeline for recovering a hacked Facebook account varies depending on the severity of the breach. Here’s a general estimate:

Scenario	Timeline
Password reset only	Immediate
Enabling two-factor authentication	Immediate
Disabling account	Immediate
Reporting the hack	Varies (depending on local authorities)
Account recovery	Can take several days to weeks
Account deletion	Permanent

Delete Your Hacked Facebook Account

If your Facebook account has been hacked, it’s important to delete it as soon as possible to protect your personal information and privacy.

Steps to Delete a Hacked Facebook Account

Log out of your account from all devices.
Change your password from a trusted device.
Report the hacked account to Facebook.
Secure your other online accounts.
Monitor your credit reports and bank accounts for suspicious activity.
Contact your local law enforcement if you believe a crime has been committed.
Consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft.
Learn about phishing and other hacking techniques to protect yourself in the future.

Protecting Yourself from Future Hacking Attempts

Once you’ve deleted your hacked Facebook account, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from future hacking attempts. Here are some tips:

Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
Enable two-factor authentication for your Facebook account and other online accounts.
Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders.
Keep your software up to date, including your operating system, browser, and security software.
Be aware of the latest phishing scams and other hacking techniques.

Security Measure	Description
Strong Passwords	Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information like your name or birthdate.
Two-Factor Authentication	Requires you to enter a code from your phone or email when logging in to your account.
Software Updates	Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Phishing Awareness	Be cautious of emails or messages that claim to be from legitimate organizations but contain suspicious links or attachments.

Maintaining Account Security Best Practices

Once you’ve regained control of your hacked Facebook account, taking steps to enhance its security is crucial. Follow these best practices to prevent future breaches.

Use a Strong Password

Create a unique and complex password that’s at least 15 characters long. Avoid using personal information or common words.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a code sent to your phone or email when logging in from an unrecognized device.

Review Login Activity Regularly

Check your “Recent Login Activity” section to monitor login attempts and identify any suspicious activity.

Keep Software Updated

Regularly update your operating system, browser, and Facebook app to fix known security vulnerabilities.

Be Cautious of Suspicious Links

Don’t click on links in messages or emails from unknown senders. Hover over links to see the actual destination before clicking.

Control App Permissions

Regularly review the apps connected to your Facebook account and remove those you no longer use or trust.

Use a Password Manager

Store your passwords securely using a reputable password manager to avoid reusing them or writing them down.

Disable Location Sharing

Turn off location sharing for Facebook and other apps to protect your privacy and prevent hackers from tracking your movements.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for hackers to intercept your data. Consider using a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

Seeking Professional Assistance for Severe Hacks

If your Facebook account has been severely compromised and you are unable to regain control using the recommended self-help measures, it is crucial to seek professional assistance. Below are some valuable resources to consider:

1. Security Firm Expertise

Specialized security firms offer services to investigate and remedy hacked accounts. They have the technical expertise to identify malware, restore compromised systems, and enhance your account’s security posture.

2. Law Enforcement Assistance

In cases of severe cybercrimes, law enforcement agencies may be able to provide support. Report the hack to your local law enforcement or consider contacting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the United States Secret Service.

3. Facebook Direct Support

Facebook offers limited direct support for hacked accounts. However, if your case is severe, you may be able to reach out to Facebook’s security team for assistance. Contact Facebook’s support page and provide details of the situation.

4. Fraud Prevention and Anti-Phishing Groups

Non-profit organizations such as the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) and the Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK) provide resources and support for victims of hacking and online fraud. They can offer guidance and connect you with relevant organizations.

5. Identity Theft Protection Services

Identity theft protection services monitor and alert you to suspicious activity associated with your personal information. They can assist in recovering compromised accounts and mitigating the damage caused by a hack.

6. Financial Institution Support

If your financial information has been compromised during the hack, contact your banks and credit card companies immediately. They can freeze your accounts, cancel compromised cards, and assist in identifying and preventing unauthorized transactions.

7. Social Media Monitoring Tools

Social media monitoring tools can help you track any unauthorized activity on your hacked account and monitor your reputation online. These tools can alert you to imposters or fraudulent profiles using your information.

8. Data Breach Response Service

Data breach response services provide comprehensive assistance in managing the aftermath of a hack. They can help you assess the damage, notify affected parties, and implement measures to prevent future breaches.

9. Insurance Policy Coverage

Cybersecurity insurance policies may cover the financial losses and expenses associated with a hacked account. Review your policy to determine the coverage available and proceed accordingly.

10. Legal Counsel

In complex and severe cases, it may be advisable to consult with a legal professional. An attorney can advise you on your rights and options, help you file lawsuits, and represent your interests in legal proceedings.