Meta has unveiled a series of new strategies and resources aimed at empowering seniors to recognize and steer clear of online scams. This initiative is part of Meta’s broader, ongoing global campaign to combat fraud by educating users about the tactics scammers employ across social media, messaging platforms, and other digital environments.
Since the beginning of 2025, Meta has identified and eliminated nearly 8 million fraudulent profiles on Facebook and Instagram linked to international scam operations. These networks often prey on susceptible individuals, particularly older adults, through channels such as messaging apps, dating platforms, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and various other online services.
Older adults are frequently targeted by fraudsters due to their trusting nature and limited familiarity with emerging digital technologies. To address this, Meta is intensifying its efforts by both removing harmful accounts and providing educational resources, as explained by Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye.
“Combating scams and fraudulent activities is an ongoing challenge, and we continuously refine our defenses to outpace malicious actors,” Boakye stated. “Our mission is to safeguard our community by equipping users with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and avoid increasingly sophisticated threats.”
The campaign underscores the dynamic nature of online fraud worldwide, with scammers constantly evolving their approaches across different platforms. Meta emphasizes that fostering awareness and adopting straightforward security practices remain essential in shielding users from these risks.
Practical Ways for Seniors and Their Families to Enhance Online Safety
Meta recommends several actionable measures that older adults can implement to safeguard themselves online.
1. Exercise caution with unsolicited communications.
Refrain from engaging with unexpected phone calls, texts, or emails, especially those requesting sensitive personal or financial details. Scammers often impersonate reputable organizations to gain trust.
2. Take your time-verify before acting.
Fraudsters frequently create a false sense of urgency to rush victims into decisions. Pause to assess the situation and consult a trusted friend or family member before responding.
3. Always use verified customer service channels.
When seeking assistance, reach out directly through official websites or verified phone numbers. Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited messages claiming to offer support.
4. Maintain open conversations about scams.
Families should regularly discuss common fraud schemes and remind older relatives that anyone can be targeted. Transparent communication helps prevent costly mistakes.
5. Explore Meta’s Scam Prevention Hub.
This resource hub offers straightforward guidance on spotting scams, reporting suspicious activity, and adopting safer online habits.
6. Activate security alerts on accounts.
Families can collaborate to enable notifications for unusual logins or significant transactions. Additionally, becoming a “trusted contact” on a loved one’s financial accounts can provide early warnings of suspicious behavior.
Related read: Meta introduces enhanced scam alert tools for older users on WhatsApp and Messenger
By following these straightforward recommendations, Meta believes families can strengthen their defenses, making it more difficult for scammers to exploit older individuals.
Meta Launches Innovative Features to Simplify Scam Detection Across Platforms
In addition to educational advice, Meta has rolled out several new functionalities designed to help users identify scams more efficiently across its suite of apps.
One such feature on WhatsApp is a screen-sharing alert that notifies users when they attempt to share their screen with unfamiliar contacts during video calls. This helps prevent fraudsters from tricking users into exposing confidential information or banking credentials.
Meta has also introduced Passkeys for Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, enabling users to log in securely using biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition, or a PIN, instead of traditional passwords. This advancement significantly lowers the risk of account compromise due to stolen credentials.
Updates to the security checkup tools on Facebook and Instagram now allow users to review recent login activity, reset passwords, and activate two-factor authentication with greater ease. WhatsApp’s privacy checkup has been enhanced to give users more control over group invitations and profile visibility.
As part of its commitment to user safety, Meta is streamlining these security features to be more user-friendly and accessible. The company continues to partner with global organizations and law enforcement agencies to fight online fraud and keep users informed.
Meta’s latest initiatives highlight the rapid evolution of scam tactics and the growing responsibility technology companies bear in protecting their users. The company stresses that education and preventative tools are just as vital as technical security measures in combating online threats.
As scams become increasingly sophisticated, maintaining awareness is one of the most effective defenses. For seniors, simple practices such as verifying suspicious messages, enabling security alerts, and utilizing Meta’s built-in safety features can significantly enhance online security.