As part of its ongoing global anti-scam awareness campaign, Meta has unveiled new insights into the rising trend of online scams targeting older adults, alongside fresh safety tools and practical advice to help users recognise and avoid digital fraud.

According to the company, since the beginning of the year, it has detected and disrupted nearly eight million Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to criminal scam networks. These fraudulent accounts often target vulnerable individuals through platforms such as messaging apps, dating services, cryptocurrency exchanges, and social media.

Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, described the company’s efforts as part of a larger, continuous commitment to user protection. “The fight against scams and fraud is a relentless one, and we are continually evolving our defences to stay ahead of bad actors,” he said. “This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats.”

Meta emphasised that older adults are among the most frequent targets of online scams, often because scammers exploit their trust or lack of familiarity with digital platforms. The company encouraged older users to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages or calls, particularly those that request personal or financial information. Rather than reacting immediately, individuals are advised to pause and seek advice from trusted friends or family members before responding.

Meta also urged people to use only official customer service channels when seeking support from companies. It warned against clicking on links in suspicious messages or emails and encouraged users to verify contact details through official websites.

Families and caregivers also play a key role in helping older relatives stay safe online. Meta recommends that families initiate open conversations about how scams operate, making it clear that anyone, regardless of experience or age, can fall victim. By discussing real examples and maintaining regular communication, families can help their loved ones feel more confident about identifying potential scams.

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The company also advised families to share resources from Meta’s Scam Prevention Hub, where users can learn more about common scam tactics and how to report suspicious activity. Setting up security alerts together can provide an added layer of protection, with notifications for unusual logins or transactions. Meta also suggests that family members consider becoming “trusted contacts” at their relatives’ financial institutions, allowing them to be informed quickly if irregular activities occur.

As part of its continued investment in safety technology, Meta has introduced a range of new anti-scam features. One of the latest updates includes a warning system on WhatsApp that alerts users when they attempt to share their screen with an unknown contact during a video call. This measure provides added context to help users recognise potential scam situations in real time.

Meta has also rolled out “passkeys” across Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, allowing users to sign in securely using their fingerprint, facial recognition, or device PIN. This method enhances identity verification and reduces the risk of account compromise.

Other tools, such as Security Checkup on Facebook and Instagram, enable users to review their security settings and receive personalised recommendations, including password updates, to strengthen account protection. Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup feature guides users through key privacy options, such as deciding who can add them to group chats, all in a single interface designed for ease and transparency.

Through these initiatives, Meta continues to enhance its safety infrastructure and collaborate with industry partners to promote a more secure digital ecosystem. The company reiterated that its mission extends beyond banning malicious accounts; it is about empowering users to make informed decisions, safeguard their digital presence, and help others do the same.