Can I trust an Instagram or Facebook account recovery service?
The short answer
Check exactly what is offered. Help drafting a request differs from “our insider will restore your account”. Meta has reported phony unblocking services. Do not give an intermediary your password, one-time code or backup code, and do not treat payment as a guarantee of Meta’s decision.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
A screenshot of someone else’s restored account does not show what happened in that case or prove the seller has authority.
- Before paying, ask what work is included, which official route is used and what depends on Meta. Check the provider and terms independently. Guaranteed reinstatement or bypassing ownership checks is a reason to pause and verify the offer.
- Start official recovery yourself. Enter codes only on the official screen you opened. Drafting a support message does not require handing an intermediary access to the account.
- Already shared a password or code? Secure your linked email and account: change the passwords where you still have access, and check for unfamiliar sign-ins, changed contact details and changes to two-factor authentication, the extra verification used at sign-in. If you have lost access or your contact details changed, use official hacked-account recovery. Save the conversation and report the suspicious profile.
- Already paid and suspect deception? Keep the receipt, messages and promised terms. Open the transaction in your bank or payment provider’s official app, or contact its support to ask how to report the issue. State the facts, including whether you authorised the payment. Reimbursement depends on the circumstances and provider rules.
The situation
Someone says, “I will recover Instagram today for $100. First send the SMS code.” Do not send it. Their promise does not make them authorised by Meta, and the code could give access to your account. Start the official process yourself.
More examples
“They only offered help writing the appeal”
A consultant charges for drafting the request and does not ask for access to your account.
What to do
Charging for advice alone does not make it a scam. Check the terms and the finished message to make sure it accurately describes what happened. Submit it through the appropriate official channel; Meta makes the decision.
“I paid; now they want an activation fee”
The account is still unavailable. The seller says the first payment will be lost unless you pay again.
What to do
Do not pay again simply because of that pressure. Keep the messages and contact your bank or payment service about the original transaction. If you also shared a code or password, secure the account separately.
What this answer is based on
Meta — Action against phony account restoration servicesabout.fb.comMeta — Keeping Instagram safe and secureMeta — Account recovery and securityFacebook Help Center — Official hacked-account recoveryGuide based on Meta’s materialReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
Primary source reread: . This does not mean every supplementary source, translation or app screen was rechecked.
Read Meta’s February 26, 2026 article on phony restoration services and account-security materials. It describes specific abuses, not all paid consulting. Evaluating an offer and contacting a payment provider are ClearRules recommendations; reimbursement is not guaranteed.
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
Sources and related topicsPolicy Graph · Demo in development