I seriously cannot believe I have to write this post. Over 11 years ago I started my blog to have fun, share fashion, and stay accountable. In the past 11 years I have formed so many friendships, had wonderful experiences, and gained incredible knowledge about blogging and social media. There have been amazing brand collaborations and more.
When I started Social Media
A couple of years into blogging I started social media including a facebook page and instagram. It took me so much time and effort to grow those pages. Why did I do it? Well, I have really enjoyed the community. Although there are some internet trolls around, on the whole, the blogging and social media community can be a very positive experience. It’s fun to share ideas, tips, and more with people you would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
Hacked Facebook
This has been a wonderful hobby for me, albeit very time consuming. Considering the amount of time I’ve put into my hobby, you can probably imagine that it was borderline devastating when I attempted to log onto my personal facebook on 6/30 only to find a message that it was suspended. There was never any notification. Just the message that some random instagram account was created that was associated to my facebook. As a result, my facebook account and facebook blog page were suspended. I tried to appeal this, but it said to log onto my instagram account in order to do so. The problem was that my instagram account was FINE. I couldn’t log into the bogus one that caused this mess. And although I tried to contact instagram and meta in several ways, I have had no luck.
Being on high alert for the next few days I was just grateful my instagram was ok. That way I could continue the few brand collaborations I had once I set up a new Meta business account (it takes a few days to add permissions and instagram once you set up a new account).
Hacked Instagram
Flash forward to Friday 7/5 when I received an email from instagram stating I had a copyright violation. The email address-looked real. I looked at the post it linked to-it was mine. I tried to log on to look into it…and it was a phishing scam. Due to my facebook being suspended, I was already over sensitive so I completely fell for it.
Immediately after accessing my account, the hacker changed my email. Then they changed my 2 factor identification and username so I didn’t even know my username anymore. Instagram help center was absolutely no use. When the emails came in to my email and I tried to ‘secure my account’ it literally took me in an online circle. Check out my reel about trying to use instagram help center to fix my hacked instagram!
Since the hacker had access to my email address, they contacted me on email and whatsapp demanding $500 for the return of my account. It was incredibly violating. I can’t even describe the horror of seeing the messages come in and instagram emails alerting me when my account was being changed by the hacker. And I was helpless to fix it.
I knew immediately I would not pay. It’s ridiculous! There is no guarantee that they would actually give it back. And it’s supporting unethical, illegal, and immoral behavior. That’s a strong NOPE for me. That first day I was extremely upset. I love working with brands. Over the years I have followed so many people and gotten to know them through their profiles. It’s taken me so much time and effort to get the following I have. What was I supposed to do?
Afterwards
I began to wonder if I should quit all of it. Was it time to give up my blogging? I have been at it for over 11 years. Or maybe just quit social media. But continuing with blogging was kind of sad. There are many people who have just gone the route of social media and I would miss out on their posts. On the other hand, starting all over seemed so daunting.
Over the past few days I decided that I didn’t want to miss out on all the fun fashion, local spots to frequent, keep up with friends, and find new recipes. So I started a new account.
I currently have a NEW facebook page for my blog. In the past I haven’t used it too much, but it’s nice to have for brands because sometimes they want it for whitelisting (it’s an ad thing). I also started a new instagram. It’s currently a far cry from my previous following, but it’s my plan B if I can’t get instagram back.
I have reached out to a few companies that claim to recover hacked instagram accounts. So far I have heard very different costs. I’m investigating more before I decide, although I know time is of the essence. If you have ever had this happen, I’d love to hear your advice.
I tell this story because phishing scams and hackers are getting more and more crafty and clever. The email addresses, icons, and verbage seem so real. It can be easy to fall for them. We can’t be on our guard all of the time. So let’s share our knowledge to help others. That is my goal. I’m embarrassed for myself, but I hope some good for others may come of it.
My Accounts
Please follow me on my accounts. I would really appreciate it! My largest account was instagram and since my instagram was hacked, I’m starting from 0.
Well, enough of that depressing story! Let’s get on to the linkup! I will also be back Thursday with a fun summer travel post since I didn’t post on fashion today.
Last week’s favorite post was from Kathrine at Kathrine Eldridge. She is looking so beautiful in blue!
LINKING UP WITH WALKING IN MEMPHIS IN HIGH HEELS AND FASHION CANVAS, STYLE WITH A SMILE, TURNING HEADS TUESDAY, CURATED BY JENNIFER, WOW ON WEDNESDAY
