Meta has announced that it disabled nearly seven million WhatsApp accounts linked to scam activities during the first half of 2025, as part of a broader crackdown on digital fraud. The company revealed that the vast majority of these accounts were shut down before they could be used by the criminal networks that created them.
Clair Deevy, WhatsApp’s Director of External Affairs, explained that the takedowns were pre-emptive and targeted at accounts associated with organised scam rings. These scams often involved deceptive cryptocurrency investments and fraudulent pyramid schemes, designed to lure victims with promises of high returns in exchange for upfront payments.
“There is always a catch and it should be a red flag for everyone: you have to pay upfront to get promised returns or earnings,” WhatsApp warned in an official blog post. According to Meta, over 6.8 million of the flagged accounts were traced to scam centres, primarily located in Southeast Asia. The company partnered with OpenAI to dismantle one such scam originating from Cambodia, where ChatGPT was allegedly used to compose fraudulent messages. These messages contained links directing users to WhatsApp chats, where scammers attempted to manipulate and defraud them.
In response, WhatsApp introduced several new safety features. Users now receive alerts when they are added to unfamiliar group chats and are given access to “safety overviews” that include information about the group, tips on identifying scams, and a quick option to leave the group.
Meta also highlighted the psychological tactics used by scammers, noting that they often exploit people’s fears, trust, and desire to help others. Typical scams include messages about overdue bills or too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities.
“We’ve all been there: someone you don’t know attempting to message you or add you to a group chat, promising easy money or threatening consequences if you don’t act fast,” the company said. “The reality is, these are often scammers trying to prey on people’s kindness, trust and fears.”
