Cybersecurity

How to Report Your Friend's Hacked Facebook Account: Complete Guide

Roy Louis Garcia

16 Jul 2025 — 4 min read

When your friend's Facebook account gets hacked, acting quickly can prevent scams and help them regain control. Here's exactly what to do.

How to Know Your Friend's Facebook Account is Hacked

Red Flag Messages

Your friend's Facebook account is likely compromised if you receive:

Money-related requests:

"Hey, I need help with an emergency loan"
"Can you send me a $50 iTunes gift card?"
"I'm stuck somewhere and need money for transportation"
Messages asking for your bank details or credit card information

Unusual language patterns:

Messages that don't match your friend's typical writing style
Poor grammar when your friend normally writes well
Formal language when they usually text casually
Messages in a different language

Suspicious links and posts:

Strange links with messages like "OMG is this you in this video?"
Posts about winning money or prizes that seem fake
Sharing of inappropriate or spam content
Multiple posts about "miracle" products or get-rich-quick schemes

Profile Changes to Watch For

Profile picture changed to something random or inappropriate
Name changed slightly (extra letters, numbers, or characters)
New posts that are completely out of character
Friend requests sent to people they're already friends with

Step-by-Step: How to Report a Hacked Facebook Account

Method 1: Report Directly from Their Profile

Step 1: Go to your friend's Facebook profile

Type their name in the Facebook search bar
If you open the profile from FB Messenger, be careful not to click any links
Click on their profile when it appears

Step 2: Find the reporting option

Look for the three dots (...) button next to the "Message" button
On mobile: Tap the three dots in the upper right corner
On desktop: Click the three dots next to "Message"

Step 3: Select the report option

Click "Find support or report profile" or "Report" from FB Messenger
A menu will appear with several options

Step 4: Choose "Hacked Account"

Select "Other" if you don't see "Hacked Account" directly
Then choose "Hacked account" or "Hacked" from the expanded options

Step 5: Provide details (Optional)

Facebook will ask you to describe what makes you think the account is hacked
Be specific: mention suspicious messages, unusual posts, or profile changes
Include timestamps if possible (when you noticed the suspicious activity)

Step 6: Submit your report

Click "Submit" to send your report to Facebook
You'll receive a confirmation that your report has been received

REPORTING DONE FROM A MOBILE PHONE:

Facebook's Response Time and What to Expect

Typical Response Timeline

Initial acknowledgment: Within 24-48 hours
Investigation period: 3-7 days typically
Account restoration: Can vary from hours to several weeks in complex cases

What Facebook Will Do

Review your report and any evidence provided
Investigate the account for signs of compromise
Temporarily restrict the account if hacking is confirmed
Work with your friend to restore legitimate access
Remove malicious content posted by hackers

Following Up

Facebook will send updates to the email associated with the report
You can check the status through Facebook's Help Center
If no response after a week, submit a follow-up report

Final Checklist: Reporting a Hacked Facebook Account

Remember: Facebook takes hacked account reports seriously, especially when provided with specific details and evidence. Your quick action can prevent your friend from losing their account permanently and protect others from falling victim to scams.

The key to successful reporting is being specific, providing evidence, and acting quickly. Don't hesitate to report suspicious activity – it's better to report a false alarm than to let a real hack continue causing damage.

For More Information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/help/263149623790594?ref=tc