Meta closes approximately 7 million fraudulent WhatsApp accounts in the year 2025
In a bid to protect its users from online fraud, Meta-owned WhatsApp has taken several significant steps to combat scams on its platform. The social media giant has identified and disabled over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centers worldwide, with most of these accounts operating in Southeast Asia [1][3].
The scams on WhatsApp range from bogus cryptocurrency investments to get-rich-quick pyramid schemes. These scams often require upfront payments for promised returns or earnings, and the scammers frequently promise low-risk investment opportunities or easy money, or claim there's an unpaid bill that's overdue [2].
Common types of scams associated with WhatsApp include "pig butchering" scams (where scammers build relationships to defraud victims, often involving cryptocurrency transfers), cryptocurrency investment scams, pyramid schemes, vishing (voice phishing) scams, and scams that lure users into fake payment schemes or fake liking schemes on social media platforms [1][3][5][2]. Scammers frequently use AI to generate convincing messages, linking victims from WhatsApp to other platforms like Telegram or TikTok to evade detection and increase deception [1][3].
To counter these scams, WhatsApp has introduced new safety features. Users are now prompted to be cautious when added to unfamiliar chat groups by unknown individuals. New "safety overviews" have been introduced, providing information about the group, tips on detecting scams, and the option to leave quickly [3][4][2]. WhatsApp also encourages users to enable two-step authentication, report and block suspicious accounts, and verify identities before exchanging money [3][4][2].
In addition, Meta collaborates with AI companies like OpenAI to identify and take down scam campaigns that utilize AI-generated content and multi-platform criminal networks [1][3].
Here's a summary of the common WhatsApp scams and Meta's countermeasures:
| Common WhatsApp Scams | Meta’s Countermeasures | |----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pig butchering (crypto romance scams) | Removed 6.8 million scam-linked accounts globally | | Cryptocurrency investment and pyramid schemes | New safety alerts for groups and unknown contact additions | | Vishing calls and account hijacking attempts | Two-step authentication and user warnings about unknown contacts | | Multi-platform scams using AI-generated texts| Partnership with OpenAI to detect AI-driven scam networks |
Users are urged to be cautious with strangers, avoid adding unknown contacts on request, and always verify before sending money, especially involving cryptocurrencies [1][2][3][4].
WhatsApp has also issued a warning about scammers trying to exploit people's kindness, trust, and fears. The company emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and cautious when engaging in online conversations, especially with strangers [2].
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/14/22971384/whatsapp-scams-cryptocurrency-ai-openai-meta-safety [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64989210 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/15/whatsapp-bans-7m-accounts-linked-to-scammers-in-first-half-of-2025 [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/technology/whatsapp-bans-7m-accounts-linked-scammers-first-half-2025-2023-03-15/ [5] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/14/whatsapp-bans-7-million-accounts-linked-to-scammers-in-first-half-of-2025.html
- Meta-owned WhatsApp has dismantled over 6.8 million accounts associated with scam centers worldwide, primarily operating within Southeast Asia, to shield its users from online fraud.
- WhatsApp scams encompass a variety of schemes, including bogus cryptocurrency investments, pyramid schemes, and "pig butchering" scams that often manipulate cryptocurrency transfers.
- To combat these scams, WhatsApp has implemented new safety features such as cautionary messages when added to unfamiliar chat groups, safety overviews, two-step authentication, and encouragement for users to report and block suspicious accounts.
- In collaboration with AI companies like OpenAI, Meta aims to identify and neutralize scam campaigns that leverage AI-generated content and multi-platform criminal networks.
- Users are advised to be cautious with strangers, avoid adding unknown contacts, and verify before sending money, especially if involving cryptocurrencies, as scammers often exploit kindness, trust, and fears to deceive unsuspecting victims.
