Meta cracks down on ‘pig butchering’ scams, claims to have removed over 2 million accounts

Meta has ramped up efforts to combat the rise of “pig butchering” scams, announcing it has taken down more than 2 million accounts linked to these fraudulent schemes this year. The social media giant revealed in a recent update that its collaborative approach with other companies to tackle such scams is showing progress, although the scale of the issue remains significant.

Described as one of the most elaborate online scams, pig butchering scams involves fraudsters tricking victims — often found on social media or dating platforms — into fake cryptocurrency investments or financial schemes. Once funds are transferred, the scammers vanish. A study earlier this year estimated these scams have siphoned off more than $75 billion globally since 2020, highlighting the vast scope of the problem.

Targeting global scam networks

Meta has been actively tracking the criminal networks behind pig butchering scams for the past two years, noting their increasing global spread. According to the company, it has identified and dismantled accounts associated with scam hubs in regions including Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, the UAE, and the Philippines. Meta credits its success to updates in behavioural and technical signals, which enhance its ability to detect and block malicious activities at scale.

In a statement, Meta underscored its commitment to refining automated detection systems and shutting down recurring scam attempts. The company also emphasised its vigilance against scammers using its platforms to establish a foothold, saying it continues to monitor and adapt its defences against these rapidly evolving threats.

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A collaborative fight against fraud

Meta’s actions are part of a larger, collaborative effort to combat financial scams. Earlier this year, it joined forces with companies like Match Group and Coinbase to form a coalition aimed at tackling online fraud. In its latest update, Meta acknowledged support from other organisations, including OpenAI, which recently flagged a new scam operation in Cambodia. OpenAI’s insights were based on detecting scammers attempting to use its tools to translate fraudulent content.

By working together, these companies aim to create a more coordinated approach to identifying and dismantling criminal operations, leveraging shared data and advanced technology to stay ahead of scammers.

Ongoing challenges in the fight against scams

Despite Meta’s efforts, the prevalence and sophistication of pig butchering scams highlight the ongoing challenges in tackling online financial fraud. The sheer number of accounts taken down underscores the scale of the issue and the persistent threat posed by these networks.

As Meta continues to refine its detection and prevention systems, it remains to be seen how effectively such coordinated efforts can curb the financial and emotional toll these scams take on victims worldwide. The company’s actions signal a growing recognition of the need for collaborative solutions to tackle an increasingly complex landscape of online fraud.