Vicky Phelan deletes Instagram account after hacker tries to blackmail her for $3.5k

The Limerick based mum-of-two, who is currently in the US undergoing treatment, took down her profile and set up a new one after receiving a threatening message from the hacker who demanded thousands of euro not to use it “maliciously”.

She took to Twitter after a number of her followers saw a new account with no followers appearing with her name.

She wrote: "Hi to all my tweeps, For any of you who follow me on Instagram, my account has been hacked…and deleted.”

She added: "Christ what I wouldn't give to be in the same room as this f****r, " she stormed on Twitter. "Messing with people's lives with no consideration for how and who they are targeting."

She also shared a screengrab of the threatening message she received from the hacker.

She wrote: "See below msg I just received from the person who hacked my Instagram account. Now I am angry."

In the message the blackmailer warns: “I hold your Instagram account. First of all I can say that it is not possible to restore the account. I've been doing this for four years and I have many references.

“I am expert in this field. I can use your account maliciously if I want or I can take you away from your friends but my goal is not to harm you. I'm deducting my earnings from this business. I'm ready to give back the account for $3,500. Any action you take to get the account back will have no effect and your account will belong to me.”

However, Vicky has received numerous message of support.

“I have just blocked him and reported him to WhatsApp for what it's worth,” she added, “I refuse to engage with this lowlife."

She also urged her followers to be careful.

"To all my tweeps, PLEASE check your social media accounts and ensure that you use strong and different passwords AND two-factor authentication for your accounts or you will be hacked."