Meta Takes Down 6.8 Million WhatsApp Scam Accounts In Major Crackdown.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has successfully dismantled over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam operations on the messaging platform in the first half of 2025. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and enhance user safety across its services. Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, revealed that the accounts were deactivated between January and June as part of a global strategy to disrupt fraudulent activities before they could harm users.
The banned accounts, primarily originating from scam centres in Southeast Asia, were involved in a range of illicit schemes, including fake cryptocurrency investments and get-rich-quick pyramid schemes. Many of these scams began on dating platforms or through text messages, later transitioning to WhatsApp to lure victims into fraudulent investment opportunities or job offers. In a notable case, Meta collaborated with OpenAI to shut down a Cambodia-based syndicate that used AI tools like ChatGPT to craft convincing scam messages. These messages directed victims to Telegram, where they were manipulated into engaging with fake TikTok video promotions and depositing funds into bogus cryptocurrency accounts.
To bolster user protection, WhatsApp has introduced new in-app safety features. One significant update alerts users when they are added to a group chat by someone not in their contacts, providing a “safety overview” with details about the group and tips to spot potential scams. Notifications from such groups remain muted until the user chooses to engage, and an option to exit quickly is also available. Additionally, WhatsApp is testing warnings for messages from unknown numbers, offering users more context to make informed decisions about interactions. “The fight against scams is relentless, and we are continually evolving our defences to stay ahead of bad actors,” Boakye stated.
Meta’s proactive measures, including the use of technical signals to identify and disable fraudulent accounts before they could fully execute their plans, have prevented potential harm to millions of users. The company emphasised that scams often exploit trust or fear, urging users to remain cautious of unsolicited messages promising quick profits or demanding upfront payments. This crackdown, supported by partnerships with tech firms like OpenAI, underscores Meta’s commitment to creating a safer messaging environment for its global user base.
