Meta’s Global Initiatives Against Online Scams: A 2024 Recap

Business & Economy
10/12/2024

Meta has unveiled its comprehensive efforts to combat online scams over the past year, highlighting new tools, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at protecting users during high-risk periods such as holiday shopping seasons. With a strong focus on raising awareness, the company has implemented innovative features and shared valuable tips to help users stay safe online.

2024 Security Features: A Safer Digital Experience

In 2024, Meta introduced several tools to enhance online security:

WhatsApp Updates: Users now receive group information cards when interacting with unknown individuals or being added to unfamiliar groups.
Instagram Alerts: Users are warned of suspicious accounts when they receive follow requests from potentially fraudulent profiles.
Facebook Marketplace Warnings: Alerts are triggered if a message resembles known scam patterns.

To further bolster awareness, Meta collaborated with internet security expert and ethical hacker Rachel Tobac. This partnership focused on educating users about common scams during the holiday season, offering tips such as safeguarding passwords, protecting personal data, and scrutinizing details when making online payments.

Reaching 30 Million Users Across 12 Countries

Meta’s efforts to curb scams extended across 12 countries, reaching over 30 million users with actionable insights shared on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The campaigns highlighted scams involving:

Fake holiday promotions offering gift boxes in exchange for personal details, targeting users in English, French, and Spanish.
Phony e-commerce sites advertising discounted decorations using AI-generated content to lure victims, particularly English, French, Italian, and German-speaking audiences.
Imitation of legitimate platforms to steal personal data via fraudulent holiday coupons and gift cards, primarily affecting users in the US, UK, and India.

Meta also worked with content creators in Turkey and Europe to amplify awareness, providing localized guidance to users.

Promoting Online Safety Awareness

As part of its broader strategy, Meta emphasized educating young adults on recognizing scams and protecting themselves. The initiative aimed to empower users globally with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape safely.