Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has rolled out a global initiative to tackle rising online scams during the holiday season.
The company has dismantled millions of accounts linked to scam operations across various countries, including Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, the UAE, and the Philippines, in 2024.
As part of its efforts, Meta removed thousands of phishing links, with 15,000 taken down in Vietnam and 9,000 in Singapore.
These scams often involve fraudulent promotions such as fake gift boxes, counterfeit decorations, and bogus retail coupons.
To enhance user safety, Meta collaborated with cybersecurity firm Graphika to track these activities and has expanded its Fraud Intelligence Reciprocal Exchange (FIRE) programme.
Initially launched in the UK and Australia, this initiative now includes global financial institutions, enabling better coordination to combat fraud.
Meta is also working with internet safety advocates to educate the public on identifying scams, noting that scammers increasingly rely on advanced tools, including AI-generated content, to deceive users.