UK Social Media Account Hacking Scams Surge 400% as Fraud Losses Hit 2026

Social media account hacking scams in the UK have exploded by over 400% in a single year, with criminals stealing millions by hijacking emails and social media profiles to impersonate victims and defraud their friends and family.

According to official data from the City of London Police's Report Fraud service, the total amount stolen through email and social media account hacking reached £6.3 million in the 2025-26 financial year, up from just £1.2 million the previous year. The true figure is likely much higher, as many victims never report the crime due to embarrassment or because individual losses seem too small.

How Social Media Account Hacking Scams Work

Scammers typically gain access to a victim's email or social media account through phishing, weak passwords, or data breaches. Once inside, they lock the real owner out and use the compromised account to message friends and followers.

One of the most common tactics is selling fake event tickets. Hackers pose as the account owner and advertise tickets to sold-out concerts or gigs, convincing friends to send money for tickets that don't exist. In a case highlighted by The Guardian, a music fan's Instagram account was hijacked to sell fake Oasis tickets, stealing £1,400 from her friends who believed they were talking to her.

Another prevalent scheme is the "Hi mum" scam, where criminals send WhatsApp or text messages pretending to be a child or relative in an emergency and urgently needing cash.

The Rising Threat of Account Hacking Fraud

The 400% surge in reported losses underscores how lucrative and low-risk these scams have become for criminals. Social media platforms and messaging apps provide a trusted environment where impersonation is easy and victims are less likely to question requests from friends.

Moreover, the emotional manipulation involved—such as a friend offering concert tickets or a child in distress—makes these scams highly effective. Many victims feel ashamed for falling for the trick, which contributes to significant underreporting.

Comparison of Fraud Losses: 2024-25 vs 2025-26

Key Takeaways for Protecting Yourself

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all social media and email accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
• Never send money based solely on a message from a friend or family member without verifying through another channel.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially event tickets that seem too good to be true.
• Report suspicious activity to the platform and to Action Fraud immediately.
• Educate friends and family about common scams like the "Hi mum" trick.

What to Do If You're a Victim

If your account is hacked, immediately notify the platform to regain control and warn your contacts not to send money. Report the incident to Action Fraud and your bank if any financial loss occurred. Changing passwords and enabling 2FA can prevent future breaches.

For those who have sent money to a scammer, contact your bank right away—they may be able to stop the transaction or recover funds. Time is critical.

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