Getting locked out of your Facebook, Instagram, email, or even your bank account is stressful—especially when the person behind it isn’t a stranger. Maybe it was an ex, a friend, or someone who once had access and crossed a line.

If you’re searching things like:

  • “My ex hacked my account and changed the password”

  • “How do I get my Facebook back if someone else logged in?”

  • “What to do if someone I know hacks my social media”

You’re not alone—and yes, there’s a way to take back control. This article walks through what to do if your personal accounts were hacked, how to recover them, and how to protect yourself going forward.

Signs Someone Hacked Your Account

Here’s how to tell if your Facebook or other account was hacked:

  • You can’t log in

  • Your password was changed without you knowing

  • You see new posts or messages you didn’t write

  • Friends say they got strange messages from you

  • You get alerts for logins from locations you don’t recognize

Step 1: Act Fast

  • Disconnect your phone or computer from the internet

  • Run a virus and malware scan

  • Take screenshots of any weird activity or messages

Step 2: Recover the Hacked Account

Facebook

  • Go to facebook.com/hacked

  • Try the Forgot Password link

  • Facebook may ask for your photo ID to prove who you are

Instagram

  • On the login screen, tap “Need more help?”

  • Choose to get a code by email or phone

  • Instagram will log out everyone else once you're back in

X (Twitter)

  • Reset your password through “Forgot password”

  • If that doesn’t work, report it to Twitter as a hacked account

TikTok

  • If you can still log in, change your password right away

  • If locked out, use your email or phone to reset it

  • Remove other devices in TikTok’s “Manage Devices” section

Gmail / Google

Yahoo

  • Click “Forgot password” and follow the steps

  • If available, turn on two-step login for extra protection

Step 3: If Your Bank Account Was Hacked

  • Call your bank immediately using the number on your debit or credit card

  • Ask to freeze or lock your account

  • Change all passwords and PINs

  • Check your recent transactions

  • File a police report

  • Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get help

Step 4: Report the Hack

Report to the FTC

Report to the FBI

  • Visit ic3.gov

  • Include all details—who may have done it, when it happened, and what was affected

Step 5: Secure Your Devices

  • Run antivirus scans on your phone or computer

  • Update your operating system, apps, and browser

  • Turn on automatic updates

  • Remove suspicious apps or software

Step 6: Secure Your Wi-Fi

  • Change your Wi-Fi password

  • Turn on WPA3 encryption in your router settings

  • Disable WPS and remote router access

  • Set up a separate guest network for others

Step 7: Lock Down Your Accounts for Good

Strong Passwords

  • Use long, unique passwords for every account

  • Use a password manager like 1Password, NordPass, or Bitwarden

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  • Use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy

  • Avoid SMS codes when possible—apps are safer

Watch for Phishing and Scams

  • Never click links in suspicious emails or messages

  • Always go directly to the official site to log in

Step 8: If You Were Hacked by Someone You Know

This happens more often than you’d think. Research shows over 40% of people had their accounts accessed by an ex or someone close to them.

Here’s how to handle it:

  • Change all your passwords right away

  • Log out of all devices on all accounts

  • Remove any unfamiliar devices or app permissions

  • Turn off location sharing and tracking

  • Don’t share logins with anyone—no matter how close you are

Step 9: Monitor and Stay Safe Long-Term

  • Check your accounts every month for unusual activity

  • Make sure your backup email and phone info is current

  • Review your credit report regularly

  • Keep learning about new scams and how to avoid them

Final Thoughts

If your account has been hacked—whether by a stranger or someone you trusted—it’s not the end of the world. You can recover. Just follow these steps, report it fast, and build better digital habits going forward.