WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms, has announced a major crackdown on fraudulent activities, deleting over 6.8 million scam-linked accounts globally in the first half of 2025. The move comes amid growing concerns about the use of messaging apps in large-scale criminal operations, particularly in Southeast Asia.
A Global Battle Against Organized Scam Networks
According to parent company Meta, many of the deleted accounts were traced back to sophisticated scam centres operated by criminal groups across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand. Disturbingly, some of these operations reportedly involved forced labour, where individuals were coerced into executing scams on unsuspecting users.
The scale and complexity of these operations have alarmed international authorities. These scams often begin with an innocent-looking text, before migrating to WhatsApp and other messaging apps. Victims are lured into fake investment schemes, job offers, or too-good-to-be-true product promotions, often involving upfront payments or cryptocurrency.
In an effort to stop the scams before they can begin, Meta stated that WhatsApp “proactively detected and took down accounts before scam centres were able to operationalise them.” This preemptive action is part of a broader strategy that includes AI-powered detection tools and partnerships with cybersecurity firms.
ChatGPT and Fake Scooter Schemes
One particularly sophisticated scam targeted by Meta involved a Cambodian criminal network that used ChatGPT to create scripts and lures for victims. The scam offered cash incentives for liking social media posts—a tactic that ultimately led users into a fake “rent-a-scooter” pyramid scheme.
Meta’s partnership with OpenAI was crucial in dismantling the digital infrastructure behind this fraud. The company said that scammers had been leveraging AI tools to automate their instructions and increase reach, making their schemes harder to detect using traditional methods.
New Anti-Scam Features Rolled Out
In response to the growing threat, WhatsApp has introduced new security features designed to keep users safe. One of the latest updates includes alerts when users are added to group chats by unknown contacts—a common tactic scammers use to promote fraudulent offers.
Users are also being encouraged to enable two-step verification, which can prevent account hijacking—a method frequently employed by fraudsters to impersonate real users and exploit their network.
In countries like Singapore, law enforcement has urged citizens to remain vigilant against suspicious messages and unfamiliar group invites on messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
Consumer Advocates Demand More Action
While the crackdown has been welcomed by many, consumer rights groups argue that more needs to be done. UK-based watchdog Which? called on Meta to take greater responsibility across all its platforms—including Facebook and Instagram.
Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert at Which?, emphasized, “Meta must ensure that scams are prevented from ever appearing on its platforms in the first place.” She also urged UK regulator Ofcom to enforce stricter provisions of the Online Safety Act to hold tech companies accountable for the content they host.
Why It Matters
The battle against digital scams is far from over, but WhatsApp’s recent measures represent a significant step in combating a growing online threat. With billions of users worldwide, the platform remains a primary target for cybercriminals. Proactive account takedowns, AI-powered threat detection, and public awareness campaigns are now essential tools in safeguarding digital communities.
As fraud tactics evolve, platforms like WhatsApp will need to continually innovate to stay ahead. This latest action from Meta may be a signal that the industry is finally taking large-scale fraud more seriously—but for users, vigilance remains the first line of defense.
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