Meta is rolling out new security tools on WhatsApp and Messenger to protect users from scams, including warnings when sharing screens with unknown contacts and enabling a 'Scam detection' setting.

The company is working with organizations like the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center to combat scams targeting older adults, emphasizing the importance of community education.

These scams often lead to significant financial losses, with cybercriminals using psychological manipulation and grooming to deceive victims into large investments.

Common scam trends include fake government benefit sites, money recovery scams, hijacked brand comment sections, and impersonation of customer service representatives.

Scammers exploit platforms via dating apps, social media, and crypto channels, building trust to steal account access and launch further scams.

Meta highlights that scams frequently involve social engineering, romantic schemes, and target vulnerable groups like seniors, often using fake work-from-home offers and easy cash schemes.

Messenger scams often involve creating fake profiles to send fraudulent messages and offers to unsuspecting users.

Scammers create fake accounts and pages, follow vulnerable users, and use tactics like creating urgency or panic to deceive victims.

Meta has disrupted nearly 8 million scam-related accounts in the first half of 2025, mainly in Asia and the Middle East, and has taken down thousands of fake customer support pages.

Ongoing initiatives include dismantling scam groups, digital literacy training for seniors, and awareness campaigns across regions like Europe and India.

Most scams operate out of Southeast Asia, including romance baiting schemes involving dating apps and social media, often luring victims into fraudulent investment scams, especially with cryptocurrencies.

Meta's AI-powered scam detection will highlight common scam signs, such as fake job offers and quick cash schemes, advising users to avoid wiring money or sending gift cards.

Looking ahead, Meta plans to expand these protections globally, counter increasingly sophisticated scams involving AI and deepfakes, and balance privacy with security to reduce user losses.