Account hacking (sometimes called “account compromise”) is when someone manages to get into your account without your permission.

To hack into your account, someone might:

• use passwords taken from data breaches or bought on the dark web
• use personal data found online or data breaches to pretend to be you and bypass security
• use phishing and other scams to get your personal data
• install malware that records your passwords and information
• target outdated software with weaker security

If you want to tell us about a hacked account, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

If your account is hacked you can:

• get advice on what to do from Stop! Think Fraud by the UK Government
• follow advice from the National Cyber Security Centre

To keep your accounts secure and prevent hacking, you can:

• keep software and apps updated for the latest security updates
• make sure all devices have antivirus and firewall installed
• create strong passwords using advice from the National Cyber Security Centre
• avoid repeating passwords for different accounts
• turn on two-factor authentication
• never share personal or sensitive details online or by email
• check the address starts with 'https://' whenever you’re asked to enter personal or sensitive information online
• avoid using unsecure public wifi
• follow Get Safe Online advice if you do need to use public wifi
• regularly check your privacy settings and how your data is being used