The Decibel The black market for getting hacked Meta accounts back
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Aug 28, 2025 Kathryn Blaze Baum, an investigative reporter at The Globe and Mail, delves into the troubling black market surrounding hacked Meta accounts. She reveals how users struggling to recover their accounts are often entangled in a web of brokers who offer expedited access for a fee. Kathryn discusses personal stories of phishing scams and the frustrations of business owners losing their accounts. She also touches on Meta’s efforts to crack down on these practices and the ever-pressing need for improved account security measures.
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Hacked In A Moment, Recovered By Broker
- Bobby Monks clicked a phishing link and lost Instagram access within seconds while cooking dinner.
- She paid a broker $1,170 and regained her account within about 12 hours.
Follow Official Recovery Steps First
- Use Meta's official appeal channels and be prepared to submit ID, selfies, or video verification when requested.
- Expect long waits and consider escalating via paid Meta Verified only if necessary, though it may not help.
From Neighbourhood Tip To Paid Fix
- After hitting a brick wall with official support, Bobby learned locally that a broker named Mo could help.
- Mo claimed a Meta contact and restored her account when paid under the table.