For several months now, through updates focused on cybersecurity, Meta has been launching efforts to protect its platforms amidst the rise of digital scams.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the American corporation unveiled new preventive measures on WhatsApp and Messenger, specifically targeting scam attempts that affect the most vulnerable users.

Real-Time Alerts to Reduce Scams

In a press release dated October 21, it was revealed that Meta is rolling out new features, including a warning when a user tries to share their screen with an unknown contact during a video call on WhatsApp. This precaution is designed to thwart a common tactic used by fraudsters to steal sensitive information, such as bank credentials.

Simultaneously, Messenger is testing an advanced scam detection system. When a suspicious message is received, an alert pops up suggesting the user to perform a check using Meta’s AI.

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If fraudulent content is detected, the app then provides practical advice on spotting signs of a scam, such as promises of quick money, questionable job offers, or requests for money transfers, and gives the option to block or report the contact.

A Comprehensive Strategy to Protect the Elderly

These innovations are part of Meta’s global campaign to educate internet users, especially seniors, about the risks of online fraud.

According to last year’s FBI report, individuals over 60 lost approximately $4.8 billion in the United States due to digital scams.

To address this, Meta is now working with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, alongside other major players like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft.

Since the beginning of the year, the company claims to have shut down nearly 8 million accounts related to scam centers based in Asia and removed over 21,000 Facebook pages that were masquerading as customer service for well-known firms.

A Long-Term Battle Against Fraud Networks

In addition to promoting its security features such as Passkeys and Security Checkup to aid in identity verification, Meta emphasizes that combating scams requires international cooperation.

Indeed, criminal groups often operate on a large scale across multiple platforms and apps. The company intends to continue its efforts to detect these networks, enhance user security, and raise public awareness about the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, but this cannot be accomplished without collaboration from other organizations…