The most common scams
- Fake Meta support accounts that comment “DM me for help” or reach out after you post about a ban.
- “Hackers for hire” who promise to recover any account for an upfront fee.
- Phishing emails saying your account will be deleted unless you “appeal” through a link that asks for your password.
- Fake copyright notices in DMs demanding you log in to a form.
- Fake phone support numbers listed online.
Red flags
- They contacted you first.
- They ask for your password, login code or backup codes.
- They want payment in crypto, gift cards or wire transfer.
- They guarantee recovery before reviewing your case.
- The link or email is not on an Instagram or Meta domain.
- They pressure you with countdowns.
What real Meta routes look like
Real appeals happen inside the app on your notice, at instagram.com/hacked, facebook.com/hacked, or through the Instagram and Facebook Help Centers. Instagram lets you see recent official emails in its security settings, so you can check whether a message really came from Instagram.
If you were scammed
- Change passwords on Instagram, Facebook and your email immediately.
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Contact your bank or payment provider about the payment.
- Report the scam account in the app.
- Report the fraud to your local authorities if money was taken.
Choosing legitimate help
A legitimate service should explain what it can and cannot do, never ask for passwords or codes, quote before work, and be clear that Meta makes the final decision. That is how Unbanz works: our Instagram account recovery service starts with a case review and fixed quote using only your username and screenshots – and recovery is guaranteed only once we have reviewed and accepted your case.
How the scams usually unfold
A typical pattern: you post on X, Reddit or Instagram about losing your account. Within minutes, several accounts reply with “I had the same problem, contact @someone, they got mine back in an hour.” Those accounts are often controlled by the same scammer. The “expert” asks for a deposit, then more fees for “Meta tokens” or “server access”, and eventually disappears – sometimes after taking over your other accounts with the codes you shared.
Another pattern is the fake appeal email: an official-looking message, often with Meta logos, saying your account will be deleted within 24 hours unless you verify. The link leads to a page that captures your password and two-factor code.
Protect yourself before anything happens
- Turn on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app and save backup codes offline.
- Use a unique password for Instagram, Facebook and your email.
- Check Instagram’s list of recent official emails before acting on a security message.
- Don’t post your email or phone number publicly when asking for help.
- Ignore replies from strangers offering recovery after you post about a problem.
Reporting scam accounts
Report scam profiles and messages inside the app so Meta can act on them. If you lost money, keep screenshots, usernames and payment records, contact your bank or payment provider quickly and report the fraud to the relevant authorities where you live.
Related guides
See Meta Verified support and Instagram hacked and email changed.
Official sources
Meta updates its help pages and flows often. Always follow the wording on your own notice and the current official Help Center. Unbanz is an independent service and is not affiliated with Meta, Instagram or Facebook.