Meta is stepping up its fight against scams on its social networks with a major operation aimed at eliminating fraudulent accounts. This news directly affects users of iPhone and other Apple devices, who are the most affected since they tend to lose the most money in these cases. Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp are affected.
A massive offensive against scam centers
Meta has just announced the removal of more than two million accounts linked to scam centers located in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, United Arab Emirates and the Philippines. This action is part of a broader strategy to combat “pig butchering”, a sophisticated scam technique that targets users via messaging, dating apps and social networks.
Mark Zuckerberg’s company has established dedicated teams and detection systems under its DOI (Dangerous Organizations and Individuals) policy, working closely with law enforcement and other private sector actors to maximize effectiveness of its actions.
“Pig butchering”, a growing threat
This scam technique, which appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, consists of establishing a relationship of trust online to manipulate the victim and encourage them to invest ever larger sums, often in cryptocurrency. The U.S. Institute of Peace estimates that these criminal groups stole approximately $64 billion worldwide in 2023, involving up to 300,000 people forced to participate in these scams.
The methods most often used by scammers are:
- The use of attractive fake profiles
- Impersonation of government agencies
- Fraudulent investment platforms
- Small withdrawals allowed to gain trust
Meta also announced the rollout of new security features to its apps, such as warnings in Messenger and Instagram DM to alert users to suspicious interactions. On WhatsApp, new contextual information is now available when adding to groups by strangers.
Although these 2 million deleted accounts are likely only a fraction of the problem, this initiative marks an important step in the fight against cybercrime on social platforms.
Meta’s recommendations
In its blog post, Meta gives some common recommendations for avoiding online scams. If these tips are obvious to those in the know, it is always good to remember them and, above all, to disseminate them for those who are less familiar with today’s tools:
- Add an extra layer of protection with two-factor authentication.
- Secure your account with “selfie verification”.
- Beware of scams masquerading as government sites.
- Check the source of too-good-to-be-true deals and don’t let yourself be rushed.
- Be careful of fake advertisements using celebrities.
- Beware of romance scams using fake profiles to ask for money.
- Watch for marketing scams that imitate trusted brands.
