Meta joins Safer Internet India to combat romance scams

Meta has rolled out new safety features across its platforms, including alerts for suspicious accounts on Messenger, testing alerts for teens on Instagram, and the option to silence unknown calls on WhatsApp

With the spirit of Valentine’s Day in the air, Meta has intensified its efforts to combat romance scams, which have seen a rise in recent years. The company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has partnered with Safer Internet India, a coalition that includes telecom companies, fintech firms, and law enforcement agencies. This collaborative initiative seeks to tackle the increasing threat of online fraud targeting users in India and raise awareness about the dangers of romance scams.

Romance scams, in which fraudsters use social media platforms, dating apps, and messaging services to deceive victims, have been a growing issue. Scammers typically pose as wealthy professionals, military personnel, or businesspeople, slowly building trust with their targets before requesting money or promoting fraudulent investment schemes.

Meta's research reveals that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing fake profiles and messages. These tactics make it even harder for users to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent accounts.

Meta’s enhanced safety features and enforcement

To address these evolving threats, Meta has rolled out a series of safety tools across its platforms. On Facebook Messenger, users are now alerted with Safety Notices if they are communicating with accounts showing signs of suspicious behaviour, such as being located in a different country. Instagram is testing similar alerts for teenagers, with plans to expand the feature to a broader audience. WhatsApp users have also gained the ability to silence calls from unknown numbers, reducing unwanted contact from potential scammers.

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Meta has ramped up its efforts to identify and remove fraudulent accounts. In 2024, the company removed more than 408,000 scam accounts, primarily targeting users in regions like the UK, Australia, the US, South Korea, and the EU. This year alone, over 116,000 fake accounts from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Cameroon have been taken down. In an effort to further curb impersonation, Meta is testing facial recognition technology that will help identify and remove fake accounts posing as public figures.

“Combatting online scams is a shared responsibility, and the Safer Internet India coalition is an essential step in fostering collaboration between industries to protect users from evolving online threats,” said Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy for Meta India. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness and promoting safer digital practices.

Protect yourself: Romance scam safety tips

Meta is also actively educating users about how to recognize and avoid romance scams. The company recommends being cautious when interacting with strangers online, especially those who claim to work in business or the military. It’s important not to share personal or financial details with anyone you haven’t met in person. Meta also advises users to verify suspicious profiles through reverse image searches and report any accounts or messages that seem fraudulent.

Meta’s collaboration with Safer Internet India, along with its enhanced safety features, is part of a broader effort to create a safer online environment for all users. By combining technology, collaboration, and user education, Meta aims to reduce the risks posed by romance scams and ensure that users can navigate social media and messaging platforms with greater confidence and security. 

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