By Juliet Umeh
In a digital world where scams are becoming more sophisticated, Meta is taking bold steps to protect users, especially older adults, from falling victim to online fraud.
The company revealed that it has detected and disrupted nearly eight million fake accounts on Facebook and Instagram this year alone, most of them linked to organized scam networks targeting vulnerable users worldwide.
The move comes as part of Meta’s global anti-scam awareness campaign, which is focused not just on taking down fraudulent accounts, but on helping people stay safe and confident online. The campaign introduces new safety tools, shares practical advice, and raises awareness about the changing face of digital scams — from fake investment offers to phishing messages and romance fraud.
According to Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East, and Türkiye, Kojo Boakye, the company’s mission is twofold: to block bad actors and empower users with knowledge.
He said: “The fight against scams and fraud is a relentless one. Beyond enforcement, we’re focused on giving people the tools and awareness they need to recognize and avoid these sophisticated threats.”
Empowering older adults with knowledge
Meta’s latest campaign shines a spotlight on older adults, one of the most targeted demographics by online scammers. The company is encouraging simple but powerful habits, such as pausing before responding to suspicious messages, and never sharing personal or financial details with unknown contacts.
Boakye advised that scammers often create panic to push quick decisions. “If something feels urgent or too good to be true, pause and talk to a trusted friend or family member first,” he said.
Families as the first line of defense
Meta is also calling on families to take an active role in online safety. It recommends open conversations about common scams, helping seniors set up account alerts, and using resources like Meta’s Scam Prevention Hub.
Families can even go a step further by acting as trusted contacts with banks or financial institutions to monitor unusual transactions and report suspicious activity early.
New tools to make online spaces safer
Beyond awareness, Meta has introduced new technologies to make its platforms more secure. One major addition is a warning feature on WhatsApp, which alerts users if they try to share their screen with an unknown contact during a video call — a common trick used by scammers.
The company has also launched passkeys on Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, allowing users to log in safely with fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN verification.
Other tools, such as Security Checkup on Facebook and Instagram and Privacy Checkup on WhatsApp, help users review their account settings and customize their privacy preferences — from who can add them to groups, to how they manage login alerts.
Building a safer digital future
Meta’s efforts reflect a growing global need for digital resilience — where people not only rely on platforms for protection but also understand how to protect themselves.
“The internet has become part of our everyday lives, and safety should be a shared responsibility,” Boakye said. “Our goal is to create a digital environment where everyone, regardless of age, can connect with confidence.”
With initiatives like these, Meta hopes to make online spaces not just safer, but smarter, empowering every user to spot, stop, and shut down scams before they spread.
