Executive Summary

If you see a message like “Your account has been flagged for suspicious activity. For security reasons, access has been temporarily suspended. Please contact support to restore access,” your PyjamaHR account has been automatically blocked by our security systems. This article explains why this happens, how to resolve it step-by-step, how to avoid future blocks, and what to do if you need urgent access restored.

Detailed Overview

What Does "Account Blocked for Suspicious Activity" Mean?

PyjamaHR uses advanced security systems (including SOC-2 compliant hijacking detection) to protect your account and candidate data. If our system detects login patterns that look like account sharing, hacking, or unauthorized access—such as logins from multiple devices, locations, or browsers in a short time—your account is automatically blocked to prevent potential misuse.

Common triggers include:
- Logging in from different cities/countries within a short period
- Simultaneous logins from multiple devices (laptop, phone, office PC, etc.)
- Sharing your login credentials with other team members
- Using VPNs that change your apparent location
- Multiple users using the same account

Why is this important?
- Protects your company and candidates from data breaches and scams
- Prevents unauthorized access that could result in fraudulent job postings or candidate scams
- Ensures compliance with data privacy and anti-fraud requirements

Integration with Other Features:
- Security blocks are tightly integrated with user management, team invitations, and audit logs.
- Account blocks may also affect your ability to post jobs, access candidate data, or process payments until resolved.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Resolve a Blocked Account

1. Identify the Block

You will see one of these messages:
- “Your account has been flagged for suspicious activity. For security reasons, access has been temporarily suspended. Please contact support to restore access.”
- “Suspicious activity detected. Talk to Support.”

2. Do Not Attempt Multiple Logins

Repeated login attempts from different devices or locations can worsen the block.
Do not share your credentials with others to “test” access.

3. Contact PyjamaHR Support Immediately

Use the in-app chat, email, or the “Talk to Support” button on the error screen.
Provide your registered email address and a contact phone number.
If prompted, be ready to join a quick verification call (usually via phone or Zoom).

Example message to support:

“My account (email: [email protected]) is blocked for suspicious activity. I am the only user and was traveling between Mumbai and Delhi. Please help restore access. My phone: +91-9876543210.”

4. Verification Steps

Support may ask you to confirm recent login locations/devices.
You may be asked if you shared your credentials or if you use a VPN.
In some cases, you’ll be asked to join a quick call for identity verification.

5. Wait for Manual Review

Most accounts are unblocked within 10–30 minutes after verification (during business hours).
You may be asked to change your password before regaining access.
If you have urgent hiring needs, mention this to support for priority handling.

6. After Unblocking: Secure Your Account

Change your password immediately.
Invite other team members as users instead of sharing your credentials (see Inviting Team Members).
Avoid logging in from multiple devices at the same time.

Advanced Usage & Best Practices

How to Avoid Future Account Blocks

One User, One Login: Each user should have their own account. Do not share credentials.
Team Management: Use the “Invite Team Members” feature to add colleagues.
Device Hygiene: Log out from devices you no longer use. Avoid simultaneous logins from multiple devices.
Traveling? If you must log in from a new location, inform support in advance if possible.
VPN Use: Avoid using VPNs that frequently change your location, or inform support if you must use one.
Password Security: Change your password regularly and never share it.

Power User Tips

Audit Logins: Regularly review your login history in your PyjamaHR profile (if available).
Role-Based Access: Assign appropriate roles (Recruiter, Admin, Super Admin) to team members for better security.
Single Sign-On (SSO): If your company uses SSO, ensure all users log in via the approved method.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Common Error Messages & What to Do

Error Message	What It Means	Solution
“Your account has been flagged for suspicious activity…”	Security system detected risky login behavior	Contact support, provide details, verify identity
“Suspicious activity detected”	Same as above	Same as above
“No options to log off out”	Account is locked, can’t log out	Wait for support to unlock
“Account blocked for multiple logins”	Multiple devices/locations detected	Contact support, explain situation

What If Scenarios

I’m the only user, but I travel a lot.
Inform support about your travel schedule. Avoid logging in from two locations at the same time.
My HR manager in Dubai and I in India both need access.
Add each as a separate user. Do not share one login.
I use a VPN for security.
Use a consistent VPN endpoint or inform support if your IP/location changes frequently.
I need urgent access for hiring.
State this in your support request for priority handling.

Recovery Procedures

If you are locked out, do not create a new account. This can complicate recovery.
Always use your registered email and phone when contacting support.
If you suspect your account was compromised, request a forced logout from all devices and reset your password.

When to Contact Support

If you cannot resolve the block within 30 minutes
If you are repeatedly blocked despite following best practices
If you suspect your account was hacked

Comprehensive FAQ

1. Why was my account blocked for suspicious activity?
- Most often, it’s due to logins from multiple devices, locations, or sharing credentials.

2. How long does it take to unblock my account?
- Usually 10–30 minutes after verification, during business hours.

3. Can I share my login with my team?
- No. Each user must have their own login. Sharing credentials will trigger blocks.

4. What if I use a VPN?
- Use a consistent endpoint. Frequent location changes can trigger blocks.

5. Can I log in from my phone and laptop at the same time?
- No. Simultaneous logins from multiple devices can cause a block.

6. What if I’m traveling?
- Avoid logging in from two locations at once. Inform support if you’ll be traveling.

7. Can I get a warning before being blocked?
- The system is automated for security. If you have special circumstances, inform support in advance.

8. What if my account is blocked outside business hours?
- Submit a support request with all details. Your request will be prioritized when support is available.

9. Will my data be lost if my account is blocked?
- No. Your data is safe and will be accessible once your account is restored.

10. What if I need to add more users?
- Use the “Invite Team Members” feature. Do not share your login.

11. Can I use the same account from different cities/countries?
- Yes, but not at the same time. Avoid simultaneous logins from different locations.

12. What if my account is repeatedly blocked?
- Review your login practices. Contact support for a detailed review.

13. How do I change my password after unblocking?
- Go to your profile > Settings > Change Password.

14. What if I suspect my account was hacked?
- Contact support immediately. Request a forced logout and password reset.

Inviting Team Members: How to invite team members and assign roles
User Access Types: Understanding user roles and permissions
Password Reset: How to reset your password
Security Best Practices: PyjamaHR Security Overview
Contacting Support: Use in-app chat or email [email protected]

Summary Table: Do’s and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Add each user as a separate account	Share your login credentials
Log out from devices you no longer use	Log in from multiple devices at once
Inform support if traveling or using VPN	Ignore suspicious activity warnings
Change your password after unblocking	Create duplicate accounts to bypass a block
Use official support channels for help	Attempt to “test” access by sharing credentials

Real-World Scenarios from Customers

Case 1: HR manager in Dubai and owner in India both accessed the same account—triggered a block. Solution: Add each as a separate user.
Case 2: User logged in from office and home PC at the same time—account blocked. Solution: Use only one device at a time.
Case 3: Account blocked while traveling interstate. Solution: Explained travel to support, account restored after verification.
Case 4: User shared credentials with a recruiter in another country—repeated blocks. Solution: Invited recruiter as a separate user.

Final Notes

Account blocks for suspicious activity are a critical security feature to protect your business and candidates. By following the best practices and steps outlined above, you can quickly resolve any blocks and prevent them in the future. If you ever need urgent help, contact PyjamaHR support with your registered details and a clear explanation of your situation for the fastest resolution.

Still have questions?
Check our Help Center or contact [email protected] for personalized assistance.

Resolving "Account Blocked for Suspicious Activity" Messages in PyjamaHR