Report Hacked Instagram Account to Police: A Step-by-Step Guide

Report Hacked Instagram Account to Police: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this digital age, social media has become an essential part of our daily lives. Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with billions of users worldwide. Unfortunately, with the increase in the number of users, there has been a surge in cybercrime, including hacked Instagram accounts. If your Instagram account has been hacked, it's crucial to report it to the police immediately. This article provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to report a hacked Instagram account to the police.

Instagram is a social media platform that enables users to share photos and videos with their followers. It's an excellent platform to connect with friends, family, and even potential customers. However, with the increasing popularity of Instagram, it has become a prime target for cybercriminals.

Hackers can gain access to your Instagram account by guessing your password or using phishing attacks. They can use your account to scam your followers, steal your personal information, or post inappropriate content, damaging your reputation.

If your Instagram account is hacked, it's essential to act fast and report it to the police immediately. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to report a hacked Instagram account to the police.

What to do when you realize your Instagram account is hacked


When you realize that your Instagram account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is to change your password. However, changing your password alone may not be enough to protect your account. Here are some steps to take:

Change your password

The first step in securing your Instagram account after a hack is changing your password. To change your password, follow these steps:

1.  Open the Instagram app

2.  Go to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner

3.  Tap on "Settings"

4.  Tap on "Security"

5.  Tap on "Password"

6.  Enter your current password and your new password

7.  Tap on "Save"

Log out of all devices

After changing your password, it's essential to log out of all devices connected to your Instagram account. This ensures that the hacker is no longer connected to your account. To log out of all devices, follow these steps:

1.  Open the Instagram app

2.  Go to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner

3.  Tap on "Settings"

4.  Tap on "Security"

5.  Tap on "Active Sessions"

6.  Tap on "Log Out of All Sessions"

7.  Confirm that you want to log out of all sessions

Check for any unauthorized changes

After changing your password and logging out of all devices, it's crucial to check for any unauthorized changes to your account. These changes could include changes to your email address, phone number, or username. To check for any unauthorized changes, follow these steps:

1.  Open the Instagram app

2.  Go to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner

3.  Tap on "Settings"

4.  Tap on "Account"

5.  Check your email address, phone number, and username to ensure that they are correct

Report the hack

Once you've taken the above steps to secure your account, it's crucial to report the hack to Instagram. Reporting the hack to Instagram can help them take action against the hacker and prevent further damage to your account.

To report the hack to Instagram, follow these steps:

1.  Open the Instagram app

2.  Go to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner

3.  Tap on "Settings"

4.  Tap on "Help"

5.  Tap on "Report a hacked account"

6.  Follow the prompts to report the hack

Gather evidence

Gathering evidence is crucial when reporting a hacked Instagram account to the police. Evidence can help the police track down the hacker and bring them to justice. Some types of evidence you should gather include screenshots of unauthorized activity on your account, suspicious messages, and any other information that can help identify the hacker.

How to report a hacked Instagram account to the police


Reporting a hacked Instagram account to the police can be a daunting task, but it's essential to take action to prevent further damage. Here are the steps to take when reporting a hacked Instagram account to the police:

File a report with your local police department

The first step in reporting a hacked Instagram account to the police is to file a report with your local police department. To file a report, you'll need to provide the police with evidence of the hack, including screenshots and any other information that can help identify the hacker.

Contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center

If the hack involves a significant amount of money or personal information, you may want to contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center that provides a centralized point of contact for reporting internet-related crimes.

To report a hacked Instagram account to the IC3, visit their website and fill out the complaint form.

In conclusion, if your Instagram account is hacked, it's crucial to act fast and report it to the police immediately. Taking the steps outlined in this article can help you secure your account and prevent further damage. Remember to change your password, log out of all devices, and report the hack to Instagram. It's also important to gather evidence and file a report with your local police department and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center if necessary.

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FAQs

Can I recover my hacked Instagram account?

Yes, you can recover your hacked Instagram account by following the steps outlined in this article.

Will the police be able to catch the hacker?

The police may be able to catch the hacker if you provide them with sufficient evidence.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious message on Instagram?

If you receive a suspicious message on Instagram, do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Report the message to Instagram and the police if necessary.

Can I prevent my Instagram account from being hacked?

Yes, you can prevent your Instagram account from being hacked by using a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of suspicious messages and links.

How can I ensure that my personal information is safe on Instagram?

To ensure that your personal information is safe on Instagram, you should regularly check your account settings and privacy settings, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.

Should I contact Instagram support before reporting to the police?

It's recommended to contact Instagram support first to report the hack and secure your account. However, if the hack involves significant damage or personal information, you should report it to the police as well.

What information should I provide to the police when reporting a hacked Instagram account?

You should provide any evidence of the hack, such as screenshots, suspicious messages, and any other information that can help identify the hacker.

Will the police investigate every case of a hacked Instagram account?

The police may investigate every case of a hacked Instagram account, but it depends on the severity of the hack and the amount of evidence provided.

Can I track the hacker who hacked my Instagram account?

It's not recommended to try to track the hacker on your own. Instead, gather evidence and report the hack to the police.

How long does it take for Instagram to respond to a hack report?

The response time from Instagram can vary, but it's recommended to act fast and secure your account as soon as possible.

Can I take legal action against the hacker who hacked my Instagram account?

Yes, you can take legal action against the hacker if they are caught and identified.

Can I recover deleted Instagram posts or messages after my account is hacked?

It's unlikely that you can recover deleted Instagram posts or messages after your account is hacked. It's recommended to save important data and evidence before the hack occurs.

What should I do if my Instagram account is hacked repeatedly?

If your Instagram account is hacked repeatedly, it's recommended to contact Instagram support and the police to report the ongoing issue.

How can I prevent future hacks on my Instagram account?

You can prevent future hacks on your Instagram account by using a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of suspicious messages and links.

Can I get my hacked Instagram account back without reporting to the police?

It's possible to recover your hacked Instagram account without reporting to the police, but it's recommended to report the hack to prevent further damage and to catch the hacker if possible.

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Ruslan Osipov
Author: Ruslan Osipov