Meta has announced a range of new anti-scam tools and awareness initiatives across WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram, aimed at helping users — particularly senior citizens — stay safe from online fraud and cyber scams.
Anti-Scam Tools and Features
Meta is enhancing its platforms with tools to detect and prevent scams while educating users about online threats:
WhatsApp: Users will now receive warnings when attempting to share their screens with unknown contacts during video calls. This helps prevent scammers from tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, including bank details or verification codes.
Messenger: Advanced AI-based scam detection is being tested. When a suspicious message is sent by a new contact, users are alerted and can optionally submit recent chat messages for AI review. Detected scams trigger guidance on common fraud types and recommended actions, such as blocking or reporting the account.
Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp: Users can set up Passkeys to securely sign in using fingerprint, face, or PIN authentication.
Facebook and Instagram: The Security Checkup tool allows users to review and strengthen security settings, including password updates. On WhatsApp, the Privacy Checkup guides users through critical privacy settings such as who can add them to groups.
Collaboration to Protect Users
Meta works with law enforcement and industry partners to tackle scams that often span multiple platforms.
- In India, Meta has collaborated with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to expand the ‘Scams Se Bacho’ campaign. This initiative features multilingual video content for senior citizens, educating them to recognize, avoid, and report online scams.
- Meta also supports Saksham Senior, which provides older adults in India with accessible resources on digital safety, scam prevention, and technology use. Learning sessions are conducted in senior living homes, RWAs, clubs, and online platforms across major cities.
Action Against Scam Networks
Meta continues to identify and disrupt global scam networks. In H1 2025, the company detected and blocked approximately 8 million accounts linked to scam centers in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the UAE, and the Philippines. Additionally, Meta acted against over 21,000 Pages and accounts impersonating customer support services to obtain sensitive user information.
Safety Recommendations for Older Adults
Meta shared practical tips to avoid common online scams:
- Be cautious with unsolicited calls or messages. Never share personal or financial information like account numbers or PINs in response to unexpected communication. Legitimate companies or government agencies will not ask for such information unexpectedly.
- Pause and verify. Scammers often create urgency or secrecy. Confirm information with trusted contacts before responding.
- Use official channels. Contact companies through verified hotlines or websites. Avoid clicking links in emails or texts and refrain from posting complaints publicly, as scammers may exploit them.
Outlook
According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, people aged 60 and above in the US lost $4.8 billion to fraud in 2024. As scams targeting older adults continue to evolve, Meta’s global anti-scam initiatives, awareness campaigns, and safety tools aim to help seniors recognize, avoid, and report online fraud.