Cyber Crime

How to tell if you’ve been hacked

Common traits to spot if your account has been accessed via unauthorised means:

Being unable to log into your account (despite knowing the password)

Changes to your security settings (that wasn’t made by you)

Messages or notifications sent from your account that you don’t recognise

Unauthorised money transfers or purchases from your online accounts.

In some cases, it may not be possible to recover your account with the online service. In such case, you may have to create a new account.

Steps to take if you think you’ve been hacked:

Contact your account provider

Check your email account

Change your password

Force all devices and apps to log out

Set up 2 factor authentication / update your devices and notify your contacts

Check your bank statement and online shopping accounts for any charges

Lastly, contact action fraud - Action Fraud

For more information on Cyber Crime prevention visit our website: Advice about fraud | West Mercia Police

Message Sent By
Karen Watson
(West Mercia Police, Police Community Support Officer, Priory & Malvern Wells Safer Neighbourhood Team)