What to do if you're hacked

The signs that an account has been hacked, and how to get it back.

Signs of a hacked account

Your friends receive messages from you that you didn't send, often asking for money. You suddenly can't log in, because your password has been changed. You get alerts about a new sign in, or a password change, that you didn't make. Or money or airtime disappears, or there are payments you didn't make.

Act fast

First, change your password, from a phone or computer you trust. Second, sign out every device you don't recognise. Third, turn on two step verification, so the hacker can't get back in. Fourth, warn your contacts not to send money or codes to anyone using your name. And fifth, if money is involved, call your bank straight away, on the number on your card. Most accounts let you see which devices are signed in. If you see one you don't recognise, like a computer in another city, sign it out, and change your password. If your WhatsApp is stolen, reinstall it and register your phone number again. The code comes to your SIM card, and the thief is logged out. Then turn on two step verification. If money has been taken, call your bank straight away, using the number on the back of your card or on their official website. The faster you report it, the better the chance of stopping more losses.

Quick check

Quick check. Your friends get money requests from your account that you didn't send. What should you do first? Change your password, sign out other devices, and warn your contacts not to send anything. Options: Change your password and warn your contacts; Ignore it; Send the money yourself; Delete all your contacts.

Recap

Know the warning signs of a hacked account. Change your password, sign out unknown devices, and turn on two step verification. Warn your contacts. And call your bank straight away if money is involved.

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