Meta Removed 2 Million Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Accounts- Here’s Why

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, recently announced a sweeping crackdown on organized scam networks. Meta removed over two million accounts on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook linked to fraudulent operations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East in 2024. This action targets groups responsible for “pig butchering” scams—a sophisticated form of fraud preying on unsuspecting individuals through fake relationships and investment schemes.

Meta Removed 2 Million Accounts Across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp – Here’s Why

In a blog post, Meta outlined the modus operandi of these scams. Fraudsters establish trust with victims by posing as romantic partners, professional contacts, or friendly acquaintances on social media platforms. Once trust is gained, the scammers lure victims into fake cryptocurrency investments, draining them of their savings.

The term “pig butchering” refers to the way scammers “fatten up” their targets emotionally and financially before “butchering” them through sudden and devastating financial theft. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the spread of these scams, as global isolation created fertile ground for criminals to exploit lonely and vulnerable individuals.

The Dark Underbelly of Organized Fraud

These scams are not isolated acts but the product of organized crime syndicates operating out of Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and other regions. According to the U.S. Institute of Peace, many of these operations function like modern-day sweatshops. Thousands of workers, often lured by false job advertisements, are coerced—sometimes violently—into executing scams.

As of 2023, an estimated 300,000 people were trapped in such operations. They were forced to meticulously groom victims, build emotional connections, and eventually manipulate them into investing in bogus schemes. Victims’ losses reportedly exceed $64 billion annually.

Meta’s Strategic Response

Meta has taken decisive action by classifying these scam networks under its Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy, a category typically reserved for terrorist groups and hate organizations. This classification also enables Meta to swiftly remove accounts, pages, and groups associated with these operations.

The company has also enhanced its platforms’ security measures, such as introducing warnings for suspicious activity in Messenger and Instagram Direct Messages. These proactive steps aim to protect users from falling prey to such scams.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Beyond internal measures, Meta has partnered with international law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, to dismantle these networks. This collaboration has led to arrests, the seizure of scam-related assets, and the disruption of operations, according to Meta.

Challenges Ahead

Despite Meta’s efforts, pig butchering scams remain a significant threat. These operations are becoming more sophisticated, making it harder to detect and eliminate them entirely. Experts agree that tackling online fraud requires a multi-pronged approach. Governments, law enforcement agencies, tech companies, and users must work together to address this growing menace.

Staying Vigilant

Meta’s crackdown underscores the importance of user awareness in combating online fraud. Users are encouraged to remain cautious, verify the authenticity of messages, and report suspicious activity. While tech giants like Meta are taking significant steps to combat fraud, the collective effort of all stakeholders is essential to ensure safer online spaces.

See Also: Meta Faces Challenges in Tackling Instagram & Facebook Scam Ads