I use a password safety program to generate passwords. This one is not real, but is the type I use. Even so, someone was able to hack my M3ta/Fbk account and cause my FB page to be “permanently disabled”. Appeal denied. No further appeals allowed. I had 20+yrs, hundreds of friends and probably thousands of posts/pics in albums from hs, college, teaching, family, friends…. So sad. I will be doing more with non-M*t@ programs. Stay tuned.
It happened to suddenly. I was IN the program when it went blank. While I was trying to figure out what happened, my wife came in to tell me a friend had contacted her and asked her if I was okay, and that when she tried to look me up, I didn’t exist.
I could not access the “help”, “hacked”, “identify” or other links suggested by every source I could find. I got messages like:
I’ll be writing more, but here are some things I’ve learned (so far) through this experience:
- There are plenty of scams on media sites that ask you to follow or call individuals. I heard things like, “I’m an honest professional, sir”, and “I will do an honest job for you, sir”…
If someone tells you they are honest, professional and will do a great job for you, or if everything sentence ends in “sir”, …..RUN!
- I tried one of those “Ask a Question” site that came up in a “social media recovery” search. I paid the initial $5 and understood that if I decided to continue, there would be an additional charge. I chose NOT to continue, but when I checked my credit card account, I found TWO charges, one for the $5 I knew about and a $40 charge that said it was the first monthly payment of a subscription to which I “signed up” for. After calling the company, escalating the case, and arguing with the “manager” that I wanted to utilize their “money-back” guarantee. Only then did I receive a credit.
Before you click on one of those “Ask-Us-Anything” type of online tech support, or at least before you authorize any payment (especially if it seems innocent enough, such as a $1 or $5 payment), READ THE FINE PRINT.
- Someone suggested I try the “Geek Squad” as they are trying to expand their services. I called and was told they could help, so I scheduled an appoint, which required I bring an affected device to the store. Fair enough. The tech was helpful and informative, and offered a couple suggestions of paths to take, but indicated his store’s “contracts” would prevent him from doing any more there. NO CHARGE.
The Best Buy Geek Squad tech was very polite, professional, empathetic and helpful, even though he was not able to resolve my case.
Since it didn’t look like I was going to recover my account, I chose the option to “Create a New Account”. I put in my phone, used a different email (the one I had been using wasn’t acceptable), did the video facial recognition and clicked to submit. At that point it told me my “appeal” would be addressed in 48 hours. It only took 1-2. Then….
If you have a recommendation, I would appreciate it.