Fake social media account hacked friend stranded scam — friend's Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp account hacked + friend stranded abroad after mugging + wallet/passport stolen + send $400 via Zelle or wire + keep it between us + money never recovered

Social media account takeover / friend-in-distress emergency fraud — a variant of the classic "stranded traveler" scam adapted for social media. The scammer takes over a victim's Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, or Twitter/X account (through phishing, credential stuffing, or SIM-swapping) and then messages the victim's contacts pretending to be the account owner in an emergency. Common script: "My account was hacked and I'm writing from a friend's phone — I'm stuck in [city] after being mugged. My wallet, passport, and phone were stolen. I just need $400/$500 via Zelle/Western Union to cover the hotel and get home. Please don't tell anyone — so embarrassed." The emotional pressure is high: urgency, embarrassment, trust, and isolation ("keep it between us") prevent victims from verifying with the real account owner. Key facts: (1) The real account owner is almost always unaware until multiple contacts report receiving messages; (2) Scammers specifically avoid naming which city to accommodate international contacts who might know the victim's actual location; (3) Requesting secrecy ("don't tell the family") is designed to prevent the easiest verification step — calling the real person; (4) The FBI warns that social media account takeovers for fraud purposes are a growing crime vector. The FTC received 95,000+ reports of impersonation fraud involving social media accounts in 2024. The single most effective defense: call the person directly before sending any money. If their phone was stolen, send a message to a different platform.