Meta Bolsters Scam Protections Across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger

Meta is rolling out a new suite of anti-scam tools across its platforms – Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger – as it increases efforts to combat online fraud. The initiatives include warnings about suspicious friend requests, alerts for potentially fraudulent device linking, and expanded scam detection capabilities, alongside increased advertiser verification requirements.

Facebook to Flag Suspicious Friend Requests

Currently in testing, Facebook will soon warn users about potentially fraudulent friend or follow requests. The platform will display an alert if a request originates from an account with few or no mutual connections, a different country location, or a recently created profile. This feature aims to disrupt a common scam tactic: the creation of fake profiles that build legitimacy over time before initiating fraudulent messaging through Messenger. Alerts will also appear when users send requests to accounts exhibiting these characteristics.

WhatsApp Device Linking Warnings

WhatsApp is introducing warnings to protect users from device linking fraud, a growing tactic where scammers trick users into scanning malicious QR codes. Scammers may pose as representatives offering customer service or technical support, or even as organizers of contests, requesting users to link their WhatsApp account to a scammer’s device. WhatsApp will now alert users when a device linking request appears suspicious, displaying the request’s origin location.

Messenger Expands AI-Powered Scam Detection

Meta is expanding its advanced scam detection feature in Messenger to more countries this month. The system uses on-device technology to scan messages from new contacts for patterns commonly associated with scams, such as fraudulent job offers or investment schemes. Users will receive a warning and the option to submit the conversation to Meta’s AI for further review. Submitting messages for AI review breaks end-to-end encryption, a point Meta discloses, but users can choose to rely solely on the initial on-device warning. Users can disable the feature in Settings > Privacy & Safety Settings > Scam Detection.

Increased Advertiser Verification

Beyond platform-level tools, Meta is strengthening its advertiser verification process. The company aims to have verified advertisers account for 90% of its ad revenue by the end of 2026, up from 70% currently. The remaining 10% will be reserved for low-risk advertisers, such as small local businesses.

Enforcement Numbers and International Cooperation

Meta reported removing over 159 million scam ads in the past year and taking down 10.9 million Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to criminal scam operations. The company has also collaborated with law enforcement agencies in multiple countries, including a joint operation with the Royal Thai Police that resulted in 21 arrests and the disabling of 150,000 accounts. This effort expanded to include the UK, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia in a second “Joint Disruption Week.”

Combating the Human Cost of Scams

Meta is also partnering with the US Department of State on the ‘Trapped in Scam Crime’ awareness campaign, targeting the individuals coerced into staffing scam centers, primarily located in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. The campaign aims to address the supply side of the problem, raising awareness about the dangers of these fraudulent employment opportunities.

These moves come amid increased scrutiny regarding scam advertising on Meta’s platforms.