Young people & students
My Instagram, WhatsApp, email or gaming account was hacked, or someone made a fake profile of me
Most hacked accounts can be recovered if you act fast. A fake profile can be taken down — platforms must act on impersonation quickly.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
Hacking and identity theft are offences under the IT Act. Report on cybercrime.gov.in; for money lost call 1930. Platforms must act quickly on impersonation complaints under the IT Rules.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- Your account username, linked email and phone
Needed for recovery and complaints. - Proof it is yours: old screenshots, ID, photos you posted, purchase receipts
Platforms ask for this during recovery. - Security emails / SMS about login, password or email change
Shows the hack and its timing; often has a "secure account" link. - Link to the fake profile and screenshots of it
Needed for the takedown report. - Messages sent from your account to others
Shows what the hacker did in your name. - Use the app's official "hacked account" recovery page
Only the official flow can restore access. - Change password, turn on two-step verification, log out other devices
Stops the hacker getting back in. - Warn your contacts not to send money or OTPs
Hackers target your friends next. - Complaint on cybercrime.gov.in (and 1930 if money was lost)
Needed if recovery fails or money was taken.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- What happened?
- Is the account being used to ask people for money or post things?
- Can you still log in?
- Did you lose any money?
Sources
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 — G.S.R. 120(E), in force 20 Feb 2026 (intimate-image complaints: action within 2 hours)
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (MHA)
Common situations
- Instagram account hacked
- WhatsApp hacked and asking my contacts for money
- Email hacked and password changed
- Facebook hacked and posting bad things
- Fake account using my name and photos
- Our office computers were locked by ransomware
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