Facebook Account Hacked: How to Recover If Email and Phone Are Changed

The Rising Threat of Facebook Hacks

In recent years, hacking incidents have surged, with cybercriminals targeting social media accounts for personal information, financial fraud, and identity theft. If your Facebook account hacked and your email and phone number have been changed, recovering it can feel overwhelming.

Why Hackers Target Facebook Accounts : Facebook account hacked

Facebook accounts are a goldmine of personal data. Hackers exploit them to:

• Steal personal and financial information
• Spread scams and phishing links
• Impersonate users for fraudulent activities

Knowing how to act quickly can be the difference between successful recovery and permanent account loss.

Immediate Steps After a Facebook Hacked Account

Identifying Signs of a Hack

If you suspect your Facebook account has been hacked, check for these warning signs:

• You are logged out of your account unexpectedly.
• Your email or phone number linked to Facebook has been changed.
• Friends report receiving suspicious messages from your profile.
• Unrecognized login locations appear in your security settings.

What to Do Before Attempting Recovery

• Try Logging In: Attempt to access your account using previous credentials.
• Check Your Email: Facebook may have sent a security alert about unusual activity.
• Verify Connected Devices: If you’re logged in on another device, change your password immediately.

Recovering Your Hacked Facebook Account

Using Facebook’s “Find Your Account” Tool

If your login credentials have been changed, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Facebook login page.
2. Click on “Forgotten password?”
3. Enter your name, email, or phone number.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to reset your password.

Resetting Password Without Email or Phone

• If your contact details are changed, select “No longer have access to these?”
• Follow Facebook’s instructions to verify your identity.
• Use old account recovery codes (if you saved any).

Reporting to Facebook Support

Submitting a Hacked Account Report

1. Visit the Facebook Help Center.
2. Select “Someone Else is Using My Account” and follow the recovery steps.
3. Provide necessary details for verification.

Providing Identification for Account Verification

If standard recovery doesn’t work, Facebook may request an ID for verification. Ensure your document matches the account details.

Securing Your Account After Recovery

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Activate 2FA to prevent future hacks:

• Go to Settings > Security and Login
• Click Two-Factor Authentication
• Choose between SMS authentication or an authenticator app

Checking Connected Apps and Devices

• Remove unrecognized devices from your account settings.
• Revoke access to unknown third-party apps.

Preventing Future Hacks

Creating Strong Passwords

• Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid common passwords like “password123.”
• Change passwords every few months.

Recognizing Phishing Scams

Be cautious of:

• Emails or messages asking for login credentials.
• Suspicious links claiming to be from Facebook.

Advanced Recovery Methods

Contacting Facebook Friends for Help

• Use the “Trusted Contacts” feature to regain access.

Checking Old Devices for Login Access

• Log in from a previously used device.
• Reset your password through device-based verification.

What If You Can’t Recover Your Account?

How to Create a New Secure Account

• Use a stronger password and enable 2FA immediately.
• Notify friends about your new account to avoid scams.

Notifying Friends and Family

Warn contacts about the hack to prevent scams and impersonation fraud.

FAQs

How long does Facebook account recovery take?

Recovery time varies but typically takes a few hours to several days, depending on verification steps.

What if my hacker posts harmful content?

Report the issue to Facebook immediately to mitigate damage.

Can I recover deleted messages?

Facebook retains deleted messages for a limited time. Check your archived messages.

Will Facebook notify me if my email or phone number is changed?

Yes, you’ll receive an email notification if your contact details are altered.

Can I secure my account without a phone number?

Yes, you can use an authentication app instead of SMS verification.

What should I do if recovery options don’t work?

Try Facebook’s “Hacked Account” form and submit identity verification.

Conclusion

Recovering a hacked Facebook account can be stressful, but acting quickly and following the right steps increases your chances of success. Strengthen your security settings to prevent future hacks and always stay alert for suspicious activity.