Meta Cracks Down: 6.8M WhatsApp Accounts Removed for Scams
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has announced new steps to fight the growing number of online scams. Over the first half of 2025, WhatsApp removed approximately 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam centres operating internationally. This large-scale action sheds light on the increasingly complex and sophisticated nature of scams targeting individuals and businesses across digital platforms.
Many of these accounts were tied to organised criminal operations based in Southeast Asia, involving forced labour and coordinated scam efforts that span multiple communication channels. These scams often begin with unsolicited messages via SMS or dating apps, progressing through social media and private messaging platforms, and ultimately concluding with fraudulent transactions on payment or cryptocurrency platforms.
From a legal and business perspective, this development is significant. It highlights that scams today are no longer isolated incidents but part of highly organised, cross-platform campaigns designed to evade detection and maximise reach. One notable case involved a criminal group in Cambodia that employed artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT to craft convincing instructions aimed at victims, promoting fraudulent investment schemes.
What Does This Mean for Businesses?
Businesses must recognise that the risks posed by such scams extend beyond individual consumer harm. The reputational damage caused by scam campaigns impersonating legitimate brands can be substantial. Customers who fall victim to these scams may associate their negative experience with the genuine business, undermining trust and confidence. Moreover, these scams can expose vulnerabilities within an organisation’s digital communication channels, risking breaches of confidential information or manipulation of client interactions.
Key Takeaways
Prioritise Awareness and Education: Ensuring that employees and customers are informed about common scam tactics is crucial. Understanding warning signs such as being added to unknown group chats or requests for upfront payments can help individuals avoid falling prey to fraud.
Utilise Platform Security Features: Messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, are introducing new safety features such as alerts when a user is added to a group by an unknown contact and enhanced scam warnings. Businesses should encourage the use of these tools and ensure that employees are trained to recognise and respond appropriately to such alerts.
Maintain Vigilance Across Digital Touchpoints: Regular monitoring of social media accounts and communication channels is essential to detect suspicious activities. Scammers frequently impersonate brands or infiltrate groups to promote fraudulent offers, making proactive oversight necessary.
Collaborate With Service Providers: Prompt reporting of fraudulent accounts and suspicious behaviour to platform providers helps disrupt scam networks. Meta’s cooperation with law enforcement and AI developers in tackling scam operations exemplifies the importance of collaborative efforts.
Implement Robust Internal Policies: Developing clear guidelines regarding online communications, verification processes, and payment procedures can reduce the risk of scams impacting business operations or client relationships.
How Can Gerrish Legal Help?
Gerrish Legal is a dynamic digital law firm. We pride ourselves on giving high-quality and expert legal advice to our valued clients. We specialise in many aspects of digital law such as GDPR, data privacy, digital and technology law, commercial law, and intellectual property.
We give companies the support they need to successfully and confidently run their businesses whilst complying with legal regulations without the burdens of keeping up with ever-changing digital requirements.
We are here to help you, get in contact with us today for more information.