Instagram or Facebook Hacked in the UK: Should I Report It to Report Fraud?

Instagram or Facebook hacked in the UK? When to report to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud, what they need, and how it fits with account recovery.

Md Shariar Shanaz ShuvonMd Shariar Shanaz ShuvonFounder & CEO, AwareXone
2 min read
Cover card with a report flag and document, for whether to report a UK hack to Report Fraud.
Short answer

In the UK, report a hacked Instagram or Facebook account to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040), which replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, especially if money was lost or scams were sent. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Recover the account separately through Meta.

Summary
  • Report Fraud replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025.
  • Scotland reports to Police Scotland on 101.
  • Reporting doesn't recover the account.
  • Recover through Meta's hacked flows.
  • Report especially if money was lost.
Table of contents4 sections
  1. 01Where do I report?
  2. 02What should I do first?
  3. 03What common mistakes should I avoid?
  4. 04When should I ask an expert before I act?

Here's how reporting fits with recovery in the UK.

Last checked: 29 October 2026 against the sources listed at the end of this guide.

#Where do I report?

SituationReport to
Hacked, money lostReport Fraud and your bank
Hacked, friends scammedReport Fraud
ScotlandPolice Scotland, 101
Recoveryinstagram.com/hacked, facebook.com/hacked

#What should I do first?

  1. Recover the account through Meta.
  2. Call your bank if money was taken.
  3. Report to Report Fraud with screenshots.
  4. Keep your crime reference number.

Related guides: Hacked After Using an Instagram "Who Unfollowed Me" App: What Should I Do?, Kena Tipu Beli Barang di Facebook atau Instagram: Nak Lapor ke Mana di Malaysia?, Social Media Account Hacked in the UAE: Where Do I Report It to the Police?.

#What common mistakes should I avoid?

  • Reporting to Action Fraud links that may be old.
  • Expecting police to recover the account.
  • Not calling your bank.
  • Missing Meta's recovery flow.

#When should I ask an expert before I act?

Ask for help before you appeal if the account matters to your income, your business or your memories, if you have already had one appeal rejected, or if you cannot tell whether the problem is a bug, a restriction or a hack. That is where most avoidable losses happen.

AwareXone has solved 1,300+ cases and works only through official platform processes. Support is available 24 hours, every day. We never ask for your password, login codes or backup codes, and we never name our clients. Request a free case review or message us on WhatsApp. Malaysian cases are priced in MYR; other markets are quoted in USD after review.

AwareXone is independent and not affiliated with Meta, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp or Threads. Recovery work is best-effort and the platform makes the final decision.

Is Action Fraud still running?
It was replaced by Report Fraud in December 2025.
Will the police recover my account?
No, Meta controls accounts.
Do I need a crime number?
Useful for banks and insurers.
Can you help?
Yes, a free review.
Can AwareXone check my case before I appeal?
Yes. AwareXone offers a free case review. Send us what you see on screen and what you have already tried, and an expert will tell you whether to appeal, wait or take another route. We never ask for your password or codes.

Official sources

More free guides on the same kind of problem.