The Decibel The black market for getting hacked Meta accounts back
Jun 13, 2025
Kathryn Blaze Baum, an investigative reporter at The Globe and Mail, uncovers the dark world of hacked Meta accounts. She reveals how desperate users turn to brokers, paying hefty fees for expedited recovery, while Meta's customer support often falls short. The conversation dives into the troubling collusion between these brokers and Meta employees, as well as how individuals suffer after account losses. Kathryn also discusses the company's efforts to crack down on these practices and the broader implications for user security on social media.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Meta Recovery Process is Slow
- To recover hacked Meta accounts, users submit verification requests online and provide ID or selfies.
- However, many report lengthy waits and often no response from Meta's support team.
Broker Mo Expedites Account Recovery
- After failed attempts with Meta, Bobby contacted a broker, "Mo," who claimed to have insider Meta contacts.
- For $1,170, Bobby regained access to her account within 12 hours through expedited internal help.
Inside Deal Abuse of Meta's OOPS Tool
- Brokers collaborate with Meta insiders who misuse an internal tool (OOPS) meant for employees' personal contacts.
- They submit internal requests to prioritize account recovery, charging users large fees and avoiding detection.