Meta’s New Anti-Scam Tools to Protect User

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an important reminder to stay vigilant about online threats. As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, one group that remains disproportionately targeted is older adults.

In 2024, reports show that people aged 60 and above lost a staggering $4.8 billion to fraud, with many of these scams happening on digital platforms like social media and messaging apps. In response, Meta (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger) is stepping up efforts to combat these scams, particularly those targeting older users.

This month, Meta is highlighting new safety tools and sharing tips on how older adults can better protect themselves from fraud. With millions of accounts linked to scam operations already disrupted in 2025, Meta’s initiatives are a crucial part of a broader global anti-scam campaign.

Criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, finding new ways to exploit older adults online. Scammers often impersonate trusted sources, like government agencies or customer service representatives, to build false trust before attempting to steal sensitive personal information. Meta has already blocked or removed nearly 8 million accounts tied to scam operations across different regions, aiming to stop the spread of fraudulent networks that use social media and messaging platforms to deceive their victims.

Common Scams to Watch Out For:

• Fake Home Renovation & Debt Relief Offers: Scammers pose as representatives offering government-sponsored home repairs or debt relief, often creating fake websites to collect personal data from their victims.
• Fraudulent Money Recovery Services: By impersonating official agencies like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, fraudsters promise to recover lost funds from previous scams, particularly in the cryptocurrency space.
• Fake Customer Service Pages: Scammers create fake customer support accounts across various platforms and pose as representatives of airlines, banks, or travel agencies to trick victims into sharing sensitive information.

Meta’s New Tools for Safer Online Experiences

Meta is continuing its work to disrupt fraud by rolling out a series of new features designed to help users detect scams early and protect their accounts:

• WhatsApp Screen Sharing Warnings: Scammers often try to trick victims into sharing sensitive information by asking them to share their screens during a video call. Now, WhatsApp users will receive a warning when attempting to share their screen with someone they don’t know, helping them avoid falling for these tactics.
• Messenger’s Scam Detection Features: In a new update, Messenger will warn users if a message appears suspicious. This feature also enables users to report potentially scammy messages for further analysis, helping Meta’s systems stay ahead of fraudulent activity.
• Passkey Login for Added Security: To combat account hijacking, Meta has introduced passkey login across its platforms, allowing users to access their accounts securely with biometrics, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, rather than relying on passwords alone.
• Privacy & Security Checkups: Both WhatsApp and Facebook have streamlined their security checkup processes. These features walk users through privacy settings and provide recommendations for improving account security, such as setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) or reviewing who can contact them.

Tips to Stay Safe Online

As scams continue to evolve, older adults need to stay informed about the latest tactics and tools available to protect themselves. Here are some key safety tips for seniors:

• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages or Calls: Legitimate companies and government agencies will never ask for personal information over the phone or via email. If someone reaches out unexpectedly, don’t share any sensitive details. Pause and verify the request through official channels.
• Take Your Time and Check with Trusted Sources: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick people into acting quickly. If someone pressures you to make an immediate decision or keep it secret, take a step back and consult someone you trust before proceeding.
• Use Official Customer Service Channels: If you need to contact a company or service, always go directly to their website or call their customer service line. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages, as these can lead to phishing sites.
• Enable Security Features Like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Setting up 2FA helps add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts, making it harder for scammers to hijack them.

Fighting online fraud requires more than just technological solutions. Meta is working with various partners, including the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center (NEFCC) and AARP, to strengthen cross-sector efforts aimed at combating fraud targeting older adults. This collaboration includes sharing resources, supporting investigations, and raising awareness at local, state, and national levels.

Meta has also joined forces with other companies in the Tech Against Scams Coalition (TASC) to disrupt fraudulent groups that target users through dating apps and social media platforms. By collaborating with law enforcement and advocacy organizations, Meta is helping to tackle scams on a broader scale.

Meta is also running global awareness campaigns to educate older adults on how to spot and avoid scams, working with creators and influencers from different countries to raise awareness and spread anti-scam messages in spaces using visually engaging and culturally relevant storytelling.

As the landscape of online scams continues to evolve, Meta remains committed to protecting users from fraud. The company’s ongoing efforts, from new scam detection tools to partnerships with law enforcement, are helping create a safer online environment for older adults. By raising awareness, providing effective tools, and working with global partners, Meta aims to reduce the impact of online scams and keep everyone, especially older adults, safe in the digital age.

For more information and tips on protecting your accounts and staying secure online, visit Meta’s official Safety Center.