Hacked? Don’t Panic – MoneyMagpie’s Full Guide To What To Do If Your Accounts Are Compromised

What happened?

Jasmine Birtles’ X account was hacked by scammers who then used the account to send suspicious messages to followers.

The messages encouraged people to download files or interact with links that did not come from Jasmine herself.

Meanwhile, Ruby Layram also experienced security concerns surrounding online accounts this week, prompting the MoneyMagpie team to strengthen protections even further across all platforms.

“It was deeply unsettling because the messages looked genuine to people receiving them. That’s the frightening thing about modern hacking — scammers often rely on trust and familiarity rather than obvious warning signs.”

Jasmine Birtles, MoneyMagpie founder

“Please only ever follow my legitimate accounts and remember that I would never, ever ask anybody for personal details, passwords, banking information or downloads through direct messages. If something feels unusual, always double check before clicking anything.”

Jasmine Birtles

Why do hackers target accounts like these?

Many people assume hackers only target celebrities, huge corporations or people with lots of money — but that is no longer true.

In reality, scammers often target trusted public-facing accounts because they already have something incredibly valuable: credibility.

If a follower sees a message coming from somebody they recognise and trust, they are far more likely to click a link, download a file or respond quickly without questioning it.

In some cases, scammers are not even interested in the original account itself — they are interested in the people connected to it.

That means followers, friends, clients, colleagues and family members can all potentially become targets too.

What information could be at risk?

The level of risk depends on which account has been compromised and how quickly the issue is caught.

While not every hack leads to serious personal data exposure, scammers often look for anything that can help them either make money or gain further access elsewhere.

If scammers gain access to one account, they may then attempt to access others using password resets, saved login details or impersonation tactics.

That is why experts recommend treating every hack seriously — even if it initially appears minor.

“People often underestimate how much personal information is tied to a single account nowadays,” says Ruby Layram. “Your social media, email and phone number can all act like pieces of a puzzle for scammers trying to access more of your digital life.”

Ruby Layram, MoneyMagpie Investment Editor

Why these scams work

Modern scams are no longer always full of spelling mistakes and obvious red flags. Hackers can now make messages look frighteningly convincing.

Once inside an account, scammers often target friends, followers and contacts because people are naturally more likely to trust someone they recognise.

The first thing to do if you think you’ve been hacked

If you notice strange activity, act immediately. Time is crucial.

Step 1: Change your passwords immediately

If you still have access to the account, change your password straight away.

If one password has been compromised and reused elsewhere, hackers may try it across email, shopping, banking and social media accounts within minutes.

Step 2: Secure your email account

Your email account is often the gateway to everything else. If scammers gain access to your email, they may be able to reset passwords for your other accounts.

Step 3: Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication, often called 2FA, adds an extra security step alongside your password.

This might be a code sent to your phone, an authentication app, or approval through fingerprint or Face ID.

“One of the biggest lessons from all of this is that passwords alone simply aren’t enough anymore. Extra layers of security can make a huge difference.”

Ruby Layram, MoneyMagpie Investment Editor

Step 4: Contact your bank if money may be at risk

If there is any chance your banking details, cards or payment accounts have been exposed, contact your bank immediately.

Never use phone numbers sent in suspicious emails or texts. Go directly through your bank’s official app or website.

Step 5: Warn your contacts

If your social media, email or messaging account has been compromised, warn people quickly.

Hackers may use your name and profile to send fake investment schemes, urgent money requests, phishing links or dangerous downloads.

Step 6: Scan your devices

Run security checks across your phone, tablet, laptop and desktop computer.

Many security updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers actively target, so do not ignore update reminders.

Step 7: Watch out for recovery scams

Sadly, scammers often target victims again after a hack.

You may receive fake support emails, calls pretending to be from tech companies, compensation scams or messages claiming they can recover your account for a fee.

“Scammers thrive on panic and urgency. If somebody pressures you to act immediately, stop and verify independently before doing anything.”

Jasmine Birtles

The biggest mistakes people make online

What to do if someone messages you from a hacked account

Where to report hacking and cybercrime

If your account has been hacked, or you have lost money, you can report it to the relevant platform, your bank and Action Fraud.

Final thought

Being hacked can feel invasive and frightening, but it is becoming increasingly common — and it can happen to anyone.

What matters most is acting quickly, strengthening your security, warning others and learning from the experience.

As scammers become more sophisticated, digital caution is now just as important as locking your front door.