It’s a nightmare: you wake up, try to log into Facebook, and suddenly you can’t. Someone else has taken over your account. Maybe they’re messaging your friends, posting scams, or even asking people for money in your name.

Don’t panic. Many people across Africa — from students to business owners — face this problem daily. The good news: you can recover your account quickly, if you act fast. This guide breaks it down in simple, clear steps.

Step 1: Check if you can still log in

Sometimes, hackers only change your password. Other times, they change the email or phone number linked to your account.

• Go to facebook.com