Question from a reader:
My X account was hacked and used for fraud by someone. Is there a possibility that I could be arrested for this? I’m really at a loss about what to do.

Account Hacking and the Law: Could You Be Arrested?

Recently, I received a consultation from a friend. He asked, “My X account was hacked and used for
fraud. Is there a possibility that I could be arrested?” I completely understand his anxiety. In modern society, social media and online services have become indispensable in our daily lives. Therefore, account hacking is not something that happens to others. In this article, I would like to consider the legal aspects of what to do if your account is hacked.

The Current State of Account Hacking

First, let’s look at how serious the problem of account hacking is. Cybercrime has been increasing year by year, and methods using phishing and malware have become common. As someone who also uses social media, I’m always cautious. One day, an acquaintance mentioned, “Suddenly, my account was locked,” and it seems there was unauthorized access. If your account is hacked, the perpetrator may use that account to commit fraud. For example, they might demand money from your friends or followers or spread false information. If such actions come to light, it’s natural that you, as the account owner, could be suspected.

Is There a Possibility of Arrest?

Now, let’s consider the “possibility of arrest” that the questioner is concerned about. To conclude, if you are a victim of account hacking, you generally will not be arrested. However, there are several conditions, and I will explain those in detail. First, if you have not engaged in unauthorized access to the account, you will not be arrested. In other words, if you were using the account without knowing it had been hacked, you will not be held responsible. However, if you take no action after your account has been hacked, meaning you leave it unattended, and this results in further victimization, you need to be cautious.

Specific Cases

Let’s look at an actual case. A university student had their social media account hacked and unknowingly sent fraudulent messages to friends. One of the friends was deceived by the message and sent money, causing a commotion. However, the student was completely innocent and promptly reported it to the police. As a result, the student was treated as a victim. Of course, he was not arrested. Thus, as long as you are not complicit, the risk of arrest is very low.

What to Do If You Are Victimized

If your account has been hacked, what should you do? Here are some specific steps to take.

1. Immediately Change Your Account Password

The first thing you should do is change your account password. Ideally, you should change the password from another device to regain access to the hacked account. If two-factor authentication is set up for that account, it will further enhance security.

2. Report to the Platform

Next, it’s important to report the unauthorized access to the platform. Many social media and online services have support in place to prevent account hacking. There is a high likelihood they will respond quickly, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

3. Inform Your Friends and Acquaintances

Additionally, inform your friends and acquaintances who follow your account about the situation. It’s crucial to ask them not to trust any suspicious messages coming from the hacked account. This can help prevent further victimization.

4. Consult the Police

Finally, if fraud has occurred, it’s essential to consult the police immediately. This will help prove that you are a victim. The police will conduct the necessary investigation and assist in identifying the perpetrator.

Conclusion

Account hacking is a terrifying event, but if you take appropriate measures, the risk of being arrested is low. It’s important to stay calm and take as many precautions as possible. In modern society, online safety is becoming increasingly important. Moving forward, it is necessary to pay attention to account management and security, always striving to minimize risks. If you ever experience being hacked, it’s vital to remember and apply the lessons learned. If you find yourself facing such a situation in the future, I hope you will recall this article. You are not alone, and by following the proper procedures, you will surely find a solution.