In short
Where do I report a hacked account or online fraud in Germany?
Report it to the platform first. For a criminal complaint online, use the police's official Onlinewache portal at portal.onlinewache.polizei.de: if the crime happened on the internet or the location is unknown, you choose the state where you live. In an emergency, call 110. Companies hit by a cyberattack can contact the police's Central Cybercrime Contact Points (ZAC). We help with the platform side online and never ask for your password.
How it works from Germany
Everything happens online, so it doesn't matter where in the country you are. You tell us what happened on WhatsApp, we check which official routes are still open and tell you honestly whether we can help.
Identity checks, such as a video selfie or an ID upload, are always done by you on your own device. The platform makes the final decision about your account.
Where to start
- Instagram hacked and the email or phone changed: step-by-step guide
- Instagram account suspended or disabled: what to do first
- Facebook account or page taken over: recovery guide
- A fake profile using your name, photos or business: how to report it
- WhatsApp taken over after someone got your code: get it back yourself
Reporting online crime in Germany
The German police's official Onlinewache portal sends you to the right state police:
- If the crime happened in Germany, choose the state where it happened.
- If it happened abroad, on the internet or the location is unknown, and you live in Germany, choose your state of residence.
- The Onlinewache is not for emergencies: call 110 if you're in danger or need the police immediately.
- Companies and institutions hit by a cyberattack can turn to the Central Cybercrime Contact Points (ZAC) of the state police; the responsible ZAC depends on where the company is based or where the incident happened.
Protecting your accounts afterwards
Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) publishes advice on protecting online accounts, including creating strong passwords, using a password manager and turning on two-factor authentication. Once you're back in, these are the settings to check first.
Reporting and recovery are separate
Reporting a crime and recovering an account are two different steps: the platform decides about the account through its own process. Start with the platform's official recovery pages, and report to the authorities when money was taken, you're being blackmailed or someone is using your identity to deceive others. If money was stolen or you're being threatened, also report it to the police.
Warning signs of a fake recovery offer
Before you reply to anyone who offers to get your account back, you can paste their message into our scam message checker.
- Asking for your password or a login code
- Upfront payment in crypto or gift cards
- A guaranteed result “within hours”
- Claims of insider contacts at a platform
What we can help with
Instagram account recovery
Instagram account disabled or suspended? We prepare and follow up your appeal through Instagram's official channels. Free assessment, no passwords.
BeforeSuspendedAfterRestoredHow we handle itFacebook account recovery
Facebook account disabled, restricted or locked? We handle the review through Meta's official channels, including Pages and ad accounts. Free assessment.
BeforeDisabledAfterActive againHow we handle itTikTok account recovery
TikTok account banned or suspended? We prepare your appeal through TikTok's official process and tell you honestly if recovery is realistic.
BeforeBannedAfterReinstatedHow we handle itYouTube channel recovery
YouTube channel terminated, struck or hacked? We handle the appeal and recovery through YouTube's and Google's official processes. Free assessment.
BeforeTerminatedAfterRestoredHow we handle itHacked account recovery
Email or phone number changed by a hacker? We guide recovery through each platform's official process and help you secure the account afterwards.
BeforeEmail changedAfterBack with youHow we handle itFake account removal
Someone using your name, photos or brand? We report impersonation accounts through each platform's official forms and follow up until they are reviewed.
BeforeImpersonating youAfterRemovedHow we handle itContent removal
Leaked private images, exposed personal details or unlawful posts? We request removal through official platform and Google processes. Free assessment.
BeforeOnlineAfterTaken downHow we handle itFrozen payment account recovery
PayPal limited, Stripe payouts paused or Shopify Payments on hold? We prepare the documents and replies the provider asks for. Free assessment.
BeforeFunds heldAfterPayouts resumedHow we handle it
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to meet you in person?
No. Everything happens online, on WhatsApp. You never need to share your password or codes, and identity checks are done by you on your own device.
Is a recovery service that wants payment in crypto a scam?
Treat it as a serious warning sign. We never ask for upfront payment in crypto or gift cards, and our assessment is free. You can check a message with our scam message checker before you reply.
Should I report a hacked account to the police?
If money was taken, someone is blackmailing you or your identity is being used to deceive others, file a report through the Onlinewache or at a police station. For the account itself, use the platform's own recovery process as well.
Is this site available in German?
Yes. The whole site, including every guide, is available in German and English, and in eight other languages.
Official sources
The platforms' own help and policy pages. We are not affiliated with them.
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