Meta Removes 6.8 Million WhatsApp Accounts to Fight Rising Scam Threats

In a significant move to protect users, Meta has removed over 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts tied to online scams, particularly those run by organized criminal gangs. These scams often involve fake cryptocurrency investments, get-rich-quick pyramid schemes, and WhatsApp group traps that lure users with promises of easy money. Victims are often persuaded to make upfront payments, only to realize the returns are fake or non-existent.

To combat this growing threat, Meta has introduced a “Group Safety Overview” feature that alerts users before they join suspicious WhatsApp groups. The safety card shows the group’s creation date, number of members, and the inviter’s details—empowering users to make informed decisions.

Meta is also working closely with cybersecurity organizations and governments—especially in regions like India and Southeast Asia—where many scam rings originate. By using AI, user reports, and global partnerships, Meta is proactively identifying and dismantling scam operations.

The company has also joined the Tech Against Scams coalition, alongside crypto firms and dating platforms, to share threat intelligence and accelerate responses to new scam tactics.

This move reflects Meta's growing commitment to online safety and fraud prevention across its platforms, and users are encouraged to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and use WhatsApp’s privacy settings to protect themselves.