How to Report a Hacked Twitter Account

If you believe that your Twitter account has been hacked, you can report this security breach even if you can't log into your account.

Close
X
Playback

Up next in How to Use Social Media (31 videos)

Learn how to use Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Foursquare, and YouTube with these Howcast videos.

 
 

You Will Need

  • E-mail address
  • New password
  • Computer security software
  • Password reset form
  • Customer support request

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Notice telltale signs

    Notice telltale signs that your account was hacked, including unexpected tweets and direct messages sent from your account to one or more followers.

  2. Another sign may be a Twitter notification that the e-mail address linked to your account was changed without your approval.

  3. Step 2

    Take precautions before reporting

    Take precautions before reporting to Twitter customer service. If you can log into your account, go to Account Settings and change your password.

  4. Step 3

    Revoke access to third party apps

    Revoke access to third-party Twitter apps that you don't recognize. To do so, click the Connections tab in Account Settings.

  5. Update new password information for the apps that you trust, or you may not be able to log into your account.

  6. Step 4

    Scan your computer for malware

    Scan your computer with security software, looking for malware that can collect passwords, including your Twitter account password.

  7. Step 5

    E-mail a support request

    E-mail a customer support request if you still can't log in. Include your e-mail address, username, and the date when you last accessed your account. Once you've made contact with customer service, you'll be back on your way to secure tweets.

  8. In 2009, a hacker sent links to a poll with a prize of free gasoline from Barack Obama's Twitter account.

Comments