Hacked and Helpless? Here’s What to Do When Scammers Start Messaging Your Friends
It’s a gut-punch kind of moment.
You’re sitting there, and suddenly you start getting texts or calls from friends:
“Hey, did you just ask me for money on WhatsApp?”
“You okay? Why are you saying it’s urgent?”
And then it hits you—your account has been hacked.
Someone is pretending to be you, messaging people in your contact list, begging for money, making up stories.
They’re using your name, your profile photo, and your relationships to scam people.
When Panic Takes Over
The moment you realize you’ve been hacked; your normal brain switches off.
Your heart races. Your stomach drops. Panic takes the wheel.
You start asking yourself—Did someone already fall for it? What do I do now? Am I too late?
And in that flood of emotion, it’s easy to freeze or do nothing.
That’s exactly what scammers count on.
But here’s the truth: you’re not powerless. You can act fast. And it can make all the difference.
What’s Happening?
This is one of the most common digital scams right now.
It can happen on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or even SMS.
Hackers break into your account or clone your profile and start sending desperate messages like:
- “Please help me urgently. I’m in trouble and need money.”
- “Can you send ₹5000? I’ll return it tomorrow.”
- “I’m stuck and lost my wallet. Please don’t tell anyone.”
Because it comes from your number or your face, your friends believe it.
What You Need to Do Right Now
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to report a hacked account or impersonation on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram when someone is misusing your identity or messaging your contacts:
1. How to Report a Hacked Account on WhatsApp
If your account is still active:
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to Settings > Help > Contact Us
- Explain your issue:
“My WhatsApp account may be compromised. Messages are being sent to my contacts that I didn’t send.”
OR
- Email support@whatsapp.com with your phone number in full international format (e.g. +91XXXXXXXXXX), and explain the problem.
If you can’t access your WhatsApp at all:
- Email:
support@whatsapp.com - Use the subject line: “Lost/Stolen: Please deactivate my account”
- Include your phone number in the format
+91XXXXXXXXXX
They will temporarily deactivate your account so the scammer can’t use it.
2. How to Report a Hacked or Impersonated Account on Facebook
If you can log in:
- Go to https://www.facebook.com/hacked
- Follow the steps to secure your account and change your password
- Check for any suspicious activity in Settings > Security and Login
If you can’t log in:
- Go to facebook.com/hacked
- Click “My account is compromised”
- Enter your account details and follow the recovery process
To report someone impersonating you:
- Go to their fake profile
- Click the three dots (…) on their profile
- Click “Find support or report profile”
- Select “Pretending to be someone” → Me
3. How to Report on Instagram
If you can still log in:
- Go to your profile > Menu (☰) > Settings & privacy > Help > Report a problem
- Select “Report a hacked account”
- Explain what’s happening
If you’re locked out:
- Visit https://www.instagram.com/hacked/
- Choose “My account was hacked”
- Follow the steps to verify your identity and recover your account
To report a fake account pretending to be you:
- Visit the fake profile
- Tap the three dots (•••) > Report
- Choose “Report Account” > “It’s pretending to be someone else” > “Me”
Important Tips for All Platforms:
Take screenshots of fake messages or profiles for evidence
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) immediately once you regain access
Change your passwords on all accounts linked to your phone or email
Notify your contacts not to respond to scam messages
4. Report It
- Take screenshots of scam messages.
- Report the account to the platform.
- File a complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Or call the Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
Why It Hurts So Much
Because it feels personal.
Scammers don’t just take your account—they take your voice and trust.
They make your friends believe you are asking for help, when it’s not you at all.
And worst of all, this has become so common that people barely react anymore.
They say, “Oh, this happens to everyone now,” and move on.
But you don’t have to move on in silence.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share OTPs.
- Don’t click strange links, even from friends.
- Use strong passwords.
- Turn on 2FA.
- Keep your phone and apps updated.
- Most importantly: Talk about it.
The more we speak up, the less power these scammers have.
One Last Thing
If it’s happened to you, don’t blame yourself.
You’re not dumb. You’re not alone.
These scams are designed to trigger panic and confusion. That doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.
Take a breath. Take control. And help someone else stay safe by sharing what you’ve learned.