Every time a new feature is announced by an official Instagram account, the comments quickly fill up with the same thing. Unfortunately, it’s not generally praise for the latest update, but rather request after request from frustrated users who have been locked out of their own profiles thanks to hackers.
Most of us have probably heard of someone in a similar situation and know only too well how difficult it can be to get help from Instagram.
Instagram adds long-awaited security features.
Thankfully, Instagram finally appears to have listened and has launched a new dedicated help page designed to assist users in getting their hacked accounts back. By heading to Instagram.com/hacked, users can get help if:
- Their account has been hacked
- They’ve forgotten their password
- A login code was sent to a mobile number or email address that they don’t have access to
- Someone is impersonating them and has created a new account using their name, photos or personal information
- Their account was disabled
- Something else
Each of these options takes you down a different path in order to help resolve the issue. Some options will start the process of verifying your identity, while others will redirect you to appropriate help or password recovery pages.
Instagram is also bringing a tool it tested earlier this year to all users allowing them to nominate two friends to help verify their identity. This is used to regain access to a hacked account.
Instagram introduces new ways to get support when you can't access your account.
The company has additionally promised to take direct action against future hacks by removing fake accounts and warning users of any suspicious duplicate accounts trying to follow them. Users will also be warned when they receive a direct message from an account that might be impersonating a business.
Verified accounts will now display their distinctive blue ticks in more places than before, including in Stories, direct messages, and the main feed.
It remains to be seen whether these new measures will be effective at scale. At least there’s now an official place to go when help is needed — and that should reduce the effectiveness of scammers offering fake help.
Alongside those frustrated “help me, I’m hacked ”Instagram comments, you’ll usually find just as many robotic responses directing you towards various “experts” for help. Please don’t do that. Now that Instagram has an official support page, I hope fewer unwary users will fall into this trap.
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