SALT LAKE CITY — People have turned to me over hacked social media accounts many times over the years hoping I can help grease the wheels. Maybe by going through the PR department I can help them get their social media accounts back.

Sometimes I've been able to help. Sometimes I have not.

Now, people are advertising they can help you get back into your account. It is a lie!

As I have reported numerous times, social media companies aren't always the best at customer service when a hacker locks the rightful user out of their account. It's frustrating for people who lose access to precious memories, and it can be extra frustrating for businesses who could lose clients, sales and money.

In fact, we've done so many stories here in Utah, I frequently hear from folks all over the world wanting to know any tricks to get their accounts restored to them.

"People get locked out, and they just want to find any solution to get back in," said Melani Fox, the director of marketing and communications with Utah's Better Business Bureau.

The BBB says lousy customer service combined with desperate people is a recipe for disaster. And indeed, in an ironic twist of fate, con men are now posing as companies promising to get your Facebook account back, you know, for a fee.

"Scammers are often trying to act like they have a way to get magically back into your account," Fox said.

Related:

A hacker locked you out of your Facebook. How can you get your account back?

Imagine if a hacker locked you out of your Facebook account and the social media company would not help you get your access back. It is a scenario playing out for many Facebook users who tell the KSL Investigators they are frustrated by the social media giant's lack of customer support and service.

The BBB is warning people they should never pay someone to recover a social media account. The only people who can truly get you reconnected are the social media companies.

Fox said the best thing to do is protect your account before it's compromised by having a strong password and setting up 2-factor authentication so a hacker can't get in without your mobile phone.

"There's always new scams to be had, and so just protect your account no matter what," Fox said.

This issue also has the attention of the feds. The Federal Trade Commission has compiled a list of links people can use to recover their social media accounts, as well as some popular email account companies.

A link to those links can be found at Consumer.ftc.gov.

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