Meta has taken down 2 million malicious accounts

Meta has removed over 2 million accounts involved in malicious activities, including complex fraud schemes like “pig butchering.”

This action is part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to fight criminal networks using social media for scams and other harmful activities, emphasizing the need for industry-wide collaboration to tackle online fraud.

The Growing Threat of “Pig Butchering”

“Pig butchering” is a type of online scam where fraudsters develop relationships with victims over time, often through dating apps or social media. They gain trust and then persuade victims to invest in fake schemes, often involving cryptocurrency.

Victims are often allowed to withdraw small amounts at first to build trust, but eventually lose their entire investment when the scammers disappear.

These scams have grown more sophisticated, with criminal groups operating from countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the UAE.

It’s estimated that nearly 300,000 people are forced into scamming others under harsh conditions, with these networks stealing $64 billion annually as of 2023.

In the past two years, Meta has increased efforts to disrupt criminal networks. Using its Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) policy, the company has banned scam centers, allowing it to take various actions.

These actions include removing accounts, blocking harmful infrastructure, and stopping repeat offenders.

In 2023, Meta shut down over 2 million accounts linked to scam centers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Meta has improved its automated detection systems to better identify and block malicious actors using behavioral and technical signals.

Acknowledging the global scope of these scams, the company collaborates with law enforcement and industry partners to share intelligence.

For instance, with the Royal Thai Police, Meta has provided key insights into scam syndicates, resulting in significant law enforcement actions.

Meta partners with OpenAI and the Tech Against Scams Coalition to disrupt scam centers and share threat data. The coalition, including Coinbase and Ripple, unites to fight online crime. Meta also added new features like scam warnings on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp group context.

Meta’s new tools help users spot and avoid scams, while ongoing safety tips raise awareness. The company has removed 2 million malicious accounts but recognizes that criminal groups are always evolving, highlighting the need for cross-industry collaboration.