From hack to halt: how social media managers are left vulnerable

It’s been obvious for years Instagram is rife with security problems.?

Not a week passes without scammers with fake profiles contacting me on Facebook , trying to friend me or messaging me to ask for money. Many seem to be created via inactive Instagram profiles of friends, who often are older people.?

Nine days ago someone hacked into my business Instagram page, and Facebook deactivated my account.

My research tells me this happens quite a lot, even with security measures.

Many people give up and just create another Facebook profile. Others give up Facebook altogether.

Here’s what I've discovered:

• Facebook offers no tech support unless you pay for it.
• Meta Verified costs $15/month, and it supposedly gives you online support.
• That support is faceless, iffy, and ineffective.
• I’ve been asked countless times for my email and details of my problem. I have a case number and supposedly they are working on it.
• Nine days later, still no communication and no Facebook.

And why this causes me stress:

• As a social media manager, I post on behalf of several clients and volunteer organizations. I am completely stalled at doing my work.
• I have decades of content on Facebook, from photos and videos of my kids to writing and videos about my work.
• I’m ticked I’m paying for “support” and not receiving any. Yes, I know Facebook is “free,” but surely all the ads we see must pay for something?

The upshot:

• I still have access to Instagram, which makes zero sense.
• I’ve contacted my U.S. rep’s office, which is also in touch with Facebook.
• All I can do is wait. Each day I send a message to Meta, but they never respond.
• If/when I get reactivated, I might disconnect my Instagram from Facebook altogether.

I welcome any suggestions you have!

Let me know?if you can use help with communications, marketing, small business coaching, or leadership.

I help professional services firms and organizations avoid BORING and boost employee engagement, productivity, and readership. I translate technical, complex, and lackluster language into accessible, dynamic, story-driven text.

Fertile Ground Communications LLC?is a certified woman-owned business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise, and emerging small business.