My Kitchen Rules star Romel Kouyan threatened by Instragram hackers

Hackers demanded $10,000 from MKR star Romel Kouyan after taking over his Instagram account and began contacting his contacts asking for money.

My Kitchen Rules star Romel Kouyan says he fears for his life after his social media account was hacked.

The 45-year-old, who owns a photography studio in Waterloo, received a direct message on Christmas Day to his Instagram account from someone claiming to work for the social media platform.

After initially thinking it was a legitimate contact, things got nasty when Kouyan refused to fork out $500 for the return of his account, which was simply his name @romelkouyan.

The hacker took control of his account and began contacting his contacts asking for money from them as they pretended to be Kouyan.

Romel Kouyan (right) and Ibby from the 2019 season of My Kitchen Rules.

Later, when Kouyan demanded answers, the hackers demanded $10,000.

Since appearing on My Kitchen Rules, Kouyan has also worked as an influencer and has been active in the foodie space.

He had just over 20,000 followers, which is enough to earn a decent amount of cash to supplement his main source of income.

“They knew my home address, my work address and my phone number,” Kouyan told Confidential.

“They said if I didn’t pay, they would follow and hurt me.”

Kouyan’s social media account was hacked.

Kouyan now fears for his life.

Kouyan again refused and began receiving threatening messages and phone calls from the hackers.

He has notified NSW Police, who said there was not much they could do.

“I have emailed and called Facebook (owner of Instagram) to notify them and attempt to gain back control of my account,” he said.

“This is serious but I am just getting the run around and no one seems to be able to help. “There are two issues, my safety and the fact I want my account back.

“I have worked hard for years to build up that following and had a lot of exciting things planned for this year.”

He has notified NSW Police and Facebook.

He has just over 20,000 followers.

Most importantly, he added, Kouyan is concerned the hackers may attempt to hurt him or his loved ones as they have threatened.

“Look, there is every chance these people are working out of a dark room in some other country but I have to take it seriously when my life has been threatened,” he said.

“When I do leave the house, I am constantly paranoid I will be followed so I have been laying low to be careful.

“I am genuinely afraid for my life and the worst thing is no one seems to be able to do anything about it.”