Meta has rolled out a series of new anti-scam tools and awareness initiatives aimed at protecting users, especially senior citizens, from cyber fraud and online scams. The social media giant is stepping up its efforts to help people navigate the digital space safely.
On WhatsApp, Meta is introducing warnings when users try to share their screens with unfamiliar contacts during video calls. Scammers often pressure victims into sharing their screens to access sensitive information, such as bank details or verification codes. Meta explained,
“Scams are a problem that affects people across platforms and industries, and we take a comprehensive approach to making our technologies a safer place.”
On Messenger, Meta is testing advanced scam detection features that alert users when they receive potentially suspicious messages. Users will be notified if a new contact sends a message flagged as risky and can opt to submit recent chats for an AI-powered scam review. If a scam is suspected, the platform will guide common scam tactics and suggest actions like reporting or blocking the account.
Across Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, users can now set up Passkeys to securely sign in using their device’s fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. On Facebook and Instagram, the Security Checkup tool helps users review their security settings and offers recommendations, such as updating passwords. Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup guides users through privacy settings, including options to control who can add them to groups, giving users a clearer view of their digital protection.
Meta highlighted that cross-border criminal networks continue to operate on a global scale, targeting individuals, particularly older adults, via social media, messaging apps, dating platforms, cryptocurrency apps, and other digital channels.
In the first half of 2025, Meta reported that its teams detected and disrupted approximately 8 million accounts linked to scam centres in countries including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the UAE, and the Philippines. Also, the company took action against over 21,000 pages and accounts imitating customer support to trick users into sharing sensitive information.
Meta Collaborates with India’s Telecom Department for Scam Awareness
Meta has joined forces with India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to broaden its “Scams Se Bacho” (Beware of Scams) initiative. As part of this collaboration, the company is creating multilingual video content tailored for senior citizens, designed to help them recognise, avoid, and report online fraud. Also, Meta supports Saksham Senior, a programme designed to empower older adults in India to navigate the digital world confidently. The initiative provides easy-to-understand resources on technology usage, scam prevention, and awareness of misinformation.
