Meta has introduced a set of new safety tools for Messenger and WhatsApp aimed at keeping accounts secure and helping older adults avoid common scams.
These features roll out as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and build on Meta’s global anti-scam campaign.
Since the start of the year, Meta’s security teams have detected and disrupted nearly 8 million accounts on Facebook and Instagram linked to criminal scam centers targeting people worldwide, including older adults.
These bad actors use messaging apps, dating sites, social media, cryptocurrency platforms, and other services to lure victims.
The new tools will help users report suspicious messages more easily and automatically block accounts that show scam behavior.
Meta is also joining forces with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, a nonprofit that brings together banks, law enforcement, and advocacy groups to fight fraud aimed at older Americans.
This partnership will improve information sharing and speed up responses to scams.
Latest Scams and How They Operate
In collaboration with open source researchers at Graphika, Meta has mapped out several scams that specifically target older adults. One involves fake home remodeling and debt relief services.
Scammers build phony websites claiming to offer low-cost renovations or government benefits, then use online ads to drive people there.
Another scheme poses as a money recovery service, copying the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center site to trick victims into paying fees to get their funds back.
Fraudsters also set up fake customer service pages for airlines, banks, and travel agencies. They respond to public comments on brand posts, urging victims to share personal details via direct messages or Google Forms.
According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans aged 60 and older lost a combined $4.8 billion to fraud last year.
Criminals often use urgency, fear, or sympathy to win trust, then target victims’ friends and family for further scams.
Tips for Older Adults to Stay Safe
When you receive an unexpected call or message, pause before acting. Never share Social Security numbers or bank details in response to unsolicited texts or emails.
If you feel pressured to act quickly or keep a conversation secret, check in with someone you trust before proceeding.
Always use official customer service channels by visiting a company’s verified website or calling the number on your statement.
Avoid clicking links in messages and refrain from posting complaints on public forums, where scammers may impersonate support agents.
These new tools and tips aim to make Messenger and WhatsApp safer for everyone, especially older adults who face a higher risk of deception.
By combining improved technology with practical advice, Meta hopes to reduce scams and keep its messaging platforms a trusted space for all users.
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