Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, has taken strong action against online crime. In the first six months of this year, Meta removed 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts. These accounts were linked to criminal scam centres targeting people all over the world.
This action is part of Meta’s larger effort to fight scams and protect users from online threats. Scams are becoming more dangerous and harder to detect, and Meta says the battle is far from over.
Meta said the deleted accounts were used by organized scam centres. These centres are run like criminal businesses. Some even use forced labour, making people work against their will to scam others.
These scammers send fake messages or offers that seem too good to be true. They try to trick people into giving away personal details or money. The messages can start on WhatsApp or text messages, then continue on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even dating apps.
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A scam might begin with a friendly message or a job offer. Then, the victim is slowly pulled into a conversation that leads to fake investments, pyramid schemes, or requests for payment. Sometimes scammers even use AI-generated content, messages written by tools like ChatGPT, to sound more convincing.
Meta found that many of these scams were offering fake payments for likes, promoting pyramid schemes, and even trying to get people to invest in fake cryptocurrency projects.
Meta says some of the most active scam centres are based in Cambodia. These are well-organized groups that often operate across many platforms to avoid being caught.
These centres use technology, stolen identities, and even AI tools like ChatGPT to make their scams look real. Meta worked together with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, to disrupt one major scam operation from Cambodia.
To help users stay safer online, Meta is now introducing new safety tools on WhatsApp. These updates are designed to protect people from scams, which are becoming more common and harder to detect. As scammers get smarter, Meta is working to make sure users have the right tools to recognize suspicious activity early.
One of the new features is a safety overview screen that appears when someone who is not in your contacts adds you to a group chat. This warning helps you quickly decide if the group is safe or suspicious. It’s a simple but powerful way to prevent people from being pulled into scam groups where fake offers or dangerous links are often shared.
Another feature being tested is a system of alert messages that encourage users to pause before responding to unknown contacts. These alerts act as reminders to stop and think before engaging with someone you don’t know. Together, these tools aim to give users more control, helping them avoid traps and stay informed while using WhatsApp.
Online scams don’t just waste your time, they can steal your money, your identity, and your peace of mind. Meta’s report shows that scams are getting more complex, spreading across many apps and using advanced tools.
Even platforms like Telegram and TikTok are being used by scammers. This shows that no platform is completely safe if users are not careful.
Meta also raised concern about how these scams are run. Many scam centres force people to work in terrible conditions, especially in countries like Cambodia. These workers are trapped, often without passports, and made to run scam campaigns 24/7.
This means that fighting scams is not only about protecting users, but also about ending human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
For the first time, Meta has worked directly with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT. Together, they managed to disrupt a major scam campaign that used AI-generated messages.
This kind of teamwork shows how tech companies are beginning to realize they must work together to fight smarter criminals online.
Some of the scams promised to pay people for giving “likes” to social media pages. Others offered fake investments in cryptocurrency or asked users to recruit friends into a pyramid scheme. At first, these offers might seem innocent, but they often lead to financial loss and identity theft.
Meta wants people to know that no real company will ever ask you to pay to earn money online. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Meta’s report shows that it is now more important than ever for users to stay alert. Scams will keep changing, and criminals will find new ways to trick people.
The good news is that platforms are getting better at finding and removing scam accounts. But people still need to learn how to protect themselves.
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be difficult. One of the most important things to remember is never to trust messages from people you don’t know. Scammers often pretend to be someone they’re not, using friendly language or fake stories to gain your trust. If a message feels strange or unexpected, it’s best to ignore or delete it.
You should also avoid sending money or personal information to strangers, no matter how convincing their story may be. Scammers may promise jobs, prizes, or investments, but their goal is to steal from you. If you’re added to a WhatsApp group without your permission, it’s smart to leave immediately, especially if you don’t recognize any of the members.
WhatsApp now offers tools to help keep you safe. If you receive a suspicious message, use the app’s features to report it. This helps stop the scam and protects others too. And always remember — don’t click on links from unknown sources. These links could lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or infect your device. Staying alert and cautious can protect you from falling into the trap.
Meta’s decision to delete 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts is a strong message to scammers everywhere. But it’s also a reminder that online safety starts with you. By staying smart, alert, and cautious, you can avoid becoming a victim of these growing scams.
Let’s keep learning and helping each other to stay safe online.
