Template: Email & DM Scripts to Report Hacked Profiles to Platforms and Regulators

When your social account is hacked, every minute feels like a loss. Use these ready-to-send messages to report hacked profiles fast — to Meta, LinkedIn, X and national regulators — and preserve evidence that wins relief.

Account takeovers surged in early 2026, leaving victims scrambling to regain access and stop fraud. Platforms are overloaded, and regulators are stepping in more often — but speed and an evidence-packed complaint still make the difference. Below you’ll find copy-and-paste templates for initial reports, DM/Direct message scripts to verified platform accounts, a DMCA template for stolen content, regulator complaint letters (ICO, eSafety), and a checklist for an effective evidence pack.

Why ready-to-send templates matter in 2026

In January 2026 multiple major outlets reported waves of targeted password-reset and takeover campaigns affecting Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and other networks. Platforms admitted large-scale incidents and temporarily adjusted recovery workflows. The result: longer automatic queues, more automated rejections and a rising need for concise, well-evidenced complaints.

Use these templates to:

• Speed up platform triage with clear facts and links
• Show regulators an organised evidence trail — we recommend following a chain-of-custody approach to your attachments so investigators can validate timestamps and provenance.
• Prevent time-wasting back-and-forth with customer support — a structured submission mirrors ideas in proactive support playbooks and reduces unnecessary replies (see proactive support workflows).

Immediate steps before you send any message

1. Lock and document: Take screenshots of the hacked profile, any changes (bio, posts), and malicious messages or links sent from the account. For guidance on capturing reliable evidence and exportable logs, see best practices in observability & timestamping.
2. Secure other accounts: Change passwords on linked email and revoke unknown login sessions where possible.
3. Preserve timestamps: Use your phone’s camera to photograph timestamps and the URL bar if the platform has modified the profile — and store those files following a reproducible folder structure like the templates in Docs-as-Code for legal teams.
4. Record transaction fraud: If financial loss occurred, contact your bank and obtain a case/reference number — attach it to regulator complaints; for practical precautions and how to record financial incidents, review guides such as Practical Bitcoin Security for Frequent Travelers (useful background on secure transaction records).
5. Use official forms first: Platforms prioritise their in-app/online “compromised account” forms. Use them, then send the templates below as follow-ups if you need escalation — this mirrors advice from modern support playbooks like proactive support workflows.

Evidence pack: What to attach (and why)

Before you paste a template, gather these items into a single ZIP or PDF. Label it “Evidence Pack — [Your name] — [Platform] — [Date]”. Consider the documentation and packaging approaches described in modular publishing workflows for consistent filenames and versioning.

• Screenshot log: Profile pre-hack (if available), current profile, malicious posts or DMs, and account settings showing unfamiliar emails/phone numbers.
• URLs and message IDs: Direct links to offending posts, messages and profile pages. Copy the full URL.
• Email / notification copies: Any password-reset emails, 2FA notices, or phishing messages — when you send follow-up emails to platforms, consider the wording patterns highlighted in guides such as How Gmail’s AI Rewrite Changes Email Design to keep subject lines and headers machine-friendly.
• Browser/device timestamps: Photos of the timestamped screen or exported logs from your device where possible — observability guides can help you export reliable logs (see observability).
• Bank reference (if fraud): Bank complaint number or police crime reference (report to Action Fraud in the UK if applicable).
• DMCA claim materials: If your copyrighted work was reposted, include original files and timestamps proving authorship.

How to use these templates

Copy a template block and paste it into the appropriate channel:

• First: the platform’s online “compromised account” form (links in the quick-reference list below).
• Second: send the short DM/Support tweet or post to the platform’s verified support account if available — use the shorter templates for DMs.
• Third: if platform response is inadequate in 48–72 hours, send the regulator complaint templates (ICO for the UK, eSafety for Australia) along with your evidence pack. For regulator filing structure and clear exhibits, the approaches in Docs-as-Code for legal teams are helpful.

Quick-reference reporting links (2026)

• Meta (Facebook / Instagram) — Use Meta’s compromised account form via the Help Center or the in-app “Get help signing in” flow.
• LinkedIn — Account access form and “Report an impersonation” support page (use their secure form for compromised accounts).
• X (formerly Twitter) — Hacked account form via Help Center; use the Support account for public follow-up.
• ICO (UK) — Report a personal data breach or file a complaint if a platform mishandles your data (see digital-forensics primers for evidence requests).
• eSafety (Australia) — Report abusive or exploited accounts; eSafety has increased enforcement since the under-16s account removal law took effect in late 2025.

Copy-and-paste templates — Use exactly as written. Replace bracketed fields with your details.

1) Meta (Facebook / Instagram) — Compromised account report (form follow-up)

Subject: URGENT: Compromised Account — [Your full name] — [username/@handle]

Hello Meta Support Team,

My account @ [username] was compromised on [date/time GMT]. I have already submitted the in-app recovery request (case/reference: [insert if given]). The attacker changed the profile email to [attacker_email@domain] and posted the following: [link to malicious posts].

I attach an Evidence Pack (screenshots, URLs, password-reset emails, timestamps). The account is being used to send phishing links and has caused [financial loss/harassment/impersonation — specify]. Please suspend access and restore my original credentials immediately. I can verify my identity with [ID type] if required.

Requested action: Temporary suspension of account access to third parties, restoration of original email [your email], and removal of malicious posts.

Thank you — urgent attention requested.

Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Email]
[Phone]
  

2) LinkedIn — Account takeover / impersonation report

Subject: Account Hacked — Urgent Restoration Requested — [Your name]

Hello LinkedIn Support,

My LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/[your-profile-slug]) was hacked on [date/time]. The profile now lists unfamiliar work history and has sent connection requests/messages to my contacts. I have completed your compromised account form (confirmation: [insert]).

Evidence Pack attached: screenshots, links to changed profile, and copies of suspicious messages. This impersonation risks professional harm and identity theft. Please lock the profile, remove edits made by the attacker, and restore control to my verified email [your email].

I can provide ID and additional proof on request. Please confirm receipt and expected timeline.

Regards,
[Your name]
[Email]
[Phone]
  

3) X (formerly Twitter) — Hacked account escalation DM/tweet

Hi @XSupport (or Support via Help Center),

My account @ [username] was taken over on [date/time]. The attacker has posted [examples/links] and changed my display email/phone. I submitted the hacked-account form (case: [insert if provided]).

Evidence Pack attached in support ticket: screenshots, URLs, and alert emails. I request immediate account suspension for unauthorised access and assistance restoring my account to [your email].

Please confirm receipt and next steps.

Thanks,
[Your name]
  

4) DMCA template — For stolen copyrighted content (use alongside platform reporting)

Subject: DMCA Takedown Notice — Copyrighted Content Posted Without Permission

To the Copyright Agent / Support,

I am the copyright owner of the original work: [title/description]. The infringing material is available at: [URL(s) where content appears]. I have not authorised this use.

I request immediate removal of the infringing content under the DMCA. I provide the following:
- Copyright owner: [Your name / company]
- Original work link / proof of creation: [link / date / file attached]
- Infringing URLs: [list]
- My contact: [email, phone]

I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notice is accurate and I am the copyright owner or authorised to act on the owner’s behalf.

Signed,
[Your name]
[Date]
  

5) ICO (UK) — Complaint about platform handling of data breach or hacked account

Subject: Complaint: Platform failed to remediate account takeover / personal data breach

To the Information Commissioner's Office,

I wish to make a formal complaint against [Platform name — e.g., Meta / LinkedIn / X] regarding a hacked account and mishandling of my personal data.

Summary:
- Account: [username / profile URL]
- Dates: compromised on [date]; platform notified on [date]; inadequate response received on [date(s)]
- Platform reference / ticket: [insert if any]
- Harm: [describe financial loss, identity theft, reputational damage]

I attach the Evidence Pack (screenshots, correspondence with the platform, bank/police reference if applicable). I believe the platform failed to meet its obligations under UK data protection law and did not take reasonable steps to protect my data or remediate the incident.

Requested outcome: Investigation and direction to platform to restore my account, remove malicious content, and provide a full incident report.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Contact details]
  

6) eSafety (Australia) — Report template for harmful or exploited account

Subject: Report of Hacked Account / Harmful Content — Request for Action

To eSafety,

I am reporting a hacked account on [Platform name] used to publish harmful/illegal material and/or impersonate a minor. Details:
- Account: [profile URL / handle]
- Date compromised: [date]
- Harm observed: [bullying, sexual exploitation, impersonation, targeted harassment]

I have reported this to the platform (ticket: [insert]) but have not received adequate remediation. Evidence Pack attached.

I request eSafety review and enforcement assistance.

Regards,
[Your name]
[Contact]
  

7) Follow-up escalation email — 72 hours later

Subject: Escalation — No Response to Hacked Account Report — [Your name] — [Platform]

Hello,

I reported a hacked account on [date], reference [ticket]. I received no substantive remediation within 72 hours. The account continues to post malicious content at [link]. I am escalating this matter for urgent review.

Attached: Evidence Pack and record of initial form submission.

Requested action: Immediate temporary suspension and restoration to [your email]. If no action is taken within 5 working days, I will submit a complaint to the relevant regulator (ICO / eSafety) and my bank (if financial loss occurred).

Please confirm receipt and intended timescale.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
  

Practical examples & real-world outcomes (2026)

Example 1: A UK freelancer used the LinkedIn template above in January 2026 after a phishing-driven takeover. She included a clear evidence pack and the LinkedIn ticket reference. Within 48 hours LinkedIn locked the profile and restored control after ID verification. The evidence pack shortened the verification loop.

Example 2: During the January 2026 Meta password-reset surge, several victims reported long automated delays. Those who bundled a DMCA notice for stolen images and a targeted Meta Support follow-up received faster removals of the worst posts because legal language flagged a copyright claim alongside the security report.

"Platforms are inundated; clarity and evidence win every time." — Experienced digital security responder (anonymised)

Advanced strategies for faster outcomes (2026 and beyond)

• Combine legal language with security requests — adding a DMCA or claim of impersonation will escalate the ticket to legal review teams faster.
• Use multi-channel reporting — submit the formal form, then send the concise DM to the platform’s verified support social handles and paste the same message into the platform’s help chat. Multiple channels increase visibility. For playbooks on multi-channel flows and consistent messaging, consider modular templates in modular publishing workflows.
• Get a police/Action Fraud reference — if fraud or extortion occurred, a police reference number often helps platforms prioritise.
• Tag regulators early (when appropriate) — sending a polite note to ICO/eSafety after 48–72 hours of inactivity signals your intent to escalate formally and can push platforms to act. For insight on digital investigations and regulator work, see material on digital forensics.
• Keep your tone factual and procedural — emotional language slows triage; short bullet points and timestamps speed it up. When writing subject lines and email bodies, the design and machine-readability guidance in How Gmail’s AI Rewrite Changes Email Design can help ensure automated systems parse your message correctly.

When to involve regulators and law enforcement

Escalate to a regulator (ICO/eSafety) if:

• The platform unreasonably delays or refuses to remove illegal content.
• Your personal data has been exposed and the platform fails to provide incident details.
• There is financial loss, identity theft or extortion and the platform won’t cooperate.

Contact your bank and local police immediately for financial crime. In the UK, report online fraud to Action Fraud and include the reference in your regulator complaint.

Checklist before you hit send

• Replace all bracketed fields in the template.
• Attach the Evidence Pack (label files clearly).
• Note the platform ticket ID in everything you send.
• Keep a copy of all submissions and timestamps in a single folder for regulator review — consider versioned folder layouts like those suggested in Docs-as-Code.

Future-proofing: what to expect in 2026–2027

Platforms and regulators are updating policy and workflow in response to the 2026 account-takeover waves. Expect:

• More automated triage but also heavier reliance on legal flags (DMCA, impersonation claims).
• Shorter windows for urgent removals where police references or regulator notices are attached.
• Stronger cross-border cooperation between regulators (EU, UK, Australia) on platform compliance.

Actionable takeaways

• Act within the first 24 hours: Document everything, submit the platform form, and attach an evidence pack.
• Send focused, factual messages: Use the templates above — they are built to be concise and legally meaningful.
• Escalate smartly: Use regulator templates only after giving the platform 48–72 hours to respond, unless immediate harm is occurring.
• Preserve proof: Keep files in a single labelled folder for regulator or police investigations.

Need a downloadable ZIP of these templates and a ready-made evidence pack checklist?

We’ve packaged these templates in editable text files to save time. Click Download Templates (on the page) to get a ZIP with:

• Platform report templates (Meta, LinkedIn, X)
• DMCA takedown letter
• Regulator complaint templates (ICO, eSafety)
• Evidence pack checklist (printable)

Final word

Hacked accounts are stressful and can cause real harm quickly. In 2026, the platforms are busier than ever — but a clear, evidence-based complaint still gets priority. Use these copy-and-paste templates, attach a well-labelled evidence pack, and escalate to a regulator only if the platform stalls. That is the fastest path to restoration and removal of harmful content.

Ready to act now? Download the templates, gather your evidence pack, and submit to the platform’s compromised-account form. If you hit a wall, use the ICO/eSafety templates immediately to escalate.

If you’d like personalised help preparing an evidence pack or sending an escalation letter, our consumer advisors can review your draft and suggest improvements.

Call to action

Download the editable templates now and get a free checklist to prepare your evidence pack. If your case needs escalation, submit your documents and use our regulator templates to press for action.

Related Reading

• Docs-as-Code for Legal Teams: An Advanced Playbook for 2026 Workflows
• Chain of Custody in Distributed Systems: Advanced Strategies for 2026 Investigations
• How Gmail’s AI Rewrite Changes Email Design for Brand Consistency
• Future-Proofing Publishing Workflows: Modular Delivery & Templates-as-Code (2026 Blueprint)
• Capital Markets in 2026: Volatility Arbitrage, Digital Forensics and the New Trust Stack
• How to Monitor and Ride Platform Install Surges: A Tactical Playbook Using Bluesky’s Spike
• Side Hustles for Students Who Manage Social Media: Safer Income Streams Than Moderation
• FedRAMP-Approved AI Platforms: Evaluating BigBear.ai’s Acquisition for Government Workloads
• Small Business Pop‑Ups from a Motel: Save with VistaPrint and Vimeo
• Netflix Cut Casting — What It Means For Your Smart TV and How to Restore Second‑Screen Control