Discovering that your Facebook account has been hacked or cloned can be distressing. Acting promptly and systematically is crucial. The initial steps differ slightly based on each scenario.
Firstly, it’s important to differentiate between the two situations. A hacked account means unauthorized access to your actual account, while a cloned account involves someone replicating your public information to create a fake profile.
If you suspect your account is hacked, meaning unauthorized control by someone else, securing it is paramount. If you can still log in, immediately navigate to “Settings & Privacy,” then “Accounts Centre,” and “Password and Security” to change your password. Utilize the “Where You’re Logged In” feature to review all active sessions and select “Log Out of All Other Sessions.”
If the hacker has changed your password and locked you out, access Facebook’s dedicated account recovery page at facebook.com/hacked to report the compromise. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and reclaim your account.
After regaining access, activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) if not already enabled as a preventive measure. Review recent account activities for any suspicious posts, messages, or ads. Also, inform your friends through a post on your timeline about the incident and advise them to disregard any strange messages from your account.
In the case of a cloned account impersonating you, visit the fake profile page without sending a friend request. Locate the three dots (…) menu near the cover photo, choose “Find Support or Report Profile,” and follow the prompts. Report the profile for pretending to be you and request your friends to report the fake profile as well to expedite its removal.
Time sensitivity is crucial regardless of the situation. Regaining control and securing your account is the top priority for a hack, while reporting the fake profile promptly is critical in the case of a clone.
Best regards,
Sean