06/08/2021
Hello Team,
I am writing in reference to my account- plankbefore_pancakes, which was hacked on 26th July 2021.
On 26th July 2021, at 5.38 PM (IST), I received an email from security@mail.instagram.com regarding my official Email ID being changed to gokalpsarp@yandex.com (hacker’s email). I instantly sprung to action and tried to gain access and change my password however before I could do that, the hacker logged me out.
After that the hacker changed my username to gokalpofc & started posting a video/ story. I wrote multiple emails to security@instagram.com, as well as peeps@fb.com. I received their standard responses and am till date awaiting further instruction. My family & friends started reporting the account in order to bring the hack to IG’s notice.
Meanwhile, I emailed/ DMed the hacker in the hopes of getting my account back. The hacker communicated back on 27th July 2021, through both mediums, demanding a ransom of USD 100 via bitcoin. To buy time, we agreed to pay the ransom. During the same time, we wrote emails to Instagram again in the hopes of proving the hack & regaining access, however to no avail.
On 28th July 2021 around 6.00 PM (IST), the account was no longer visible, which led me to believe the hacker deleted it. However, the hacker wrote to us mentioning that “IG temporarily disabled the account since someone reported it.” Post this, he tried to communicate with the IG team to regain access however it was concluded today that the access will not be given.
This account is the culmination of my hard work & efforts. Me, being an Indian woman, have struggled & rallied my way through societal norms to create a platform for myself. My livelihood depends on this platform since it paved a small way for me to become an influencer & support my family. Right now, I am directionless. I have no idea on how to start again & build the community I worked so hard to accumulate.
I write to you with the hope that with my story & enough proof attached in this email, you may support me and help me get my access back to my account so I can continue doing the work I do & break barriers.
It is my humblest request that you hear my plea and take into account my case. I have once again attached my Government authorised ID along with a few posts that were earlier posted on my account.
Looking forward to a positive reply. I'm Mark Zuckerberg Fan of MarkZuckerberg
Anxiously waiting,
Saloni Agarwal
Plankbefore_Pancakes