Scammers love ruining Christmas and New Year’s. Meta’s anti-scam awareness campaign is here to save the day

As the holiday spirit fills the air, Meta has announced a global initiative to combat online scams. With people rushing to find the perfect gifts and seasonal deals, scammers are also gearing up, targeting unsuspecting shoppers with deceptive tricks. To address this growing concern, Meta has rolled out an anti-scam awareness campaign aimed at protecting users across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The campaign brings together the latest research, updated safety tools, and proactive enforcement to disrupt fraudulent activities. Highlighting the urgency, Meta has also collaborated with industry peers and launched awareness efforts in partnership with government agencies, celebrities, and content creators to help people shop smarter and safer during the holiday season.

Spotting scams before they get you

Holiday scams often come in various shapes and sizes, and Meta has outlined the most common ones to keep an eye on. One popular tactic involves fake holiday coupons and gift cards. These scams lure victims with too-good-to-be-true offers, tricking them into revealing personal information under the guise of surveys or prize draws. Another tactic promises luxury Christmas gift boxes, complete with flashy images and tempting rewards. Scammers often use platforms like Threads, Quora, and even Google Sites to reel in unsuspecting users.

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Adding to the mix are deals on festive decorations at outrageously low prices. Using stolen videos with AI-generated voiceovers, scammers target bargain hunters with artificial Christmas trees and ornaments that never actually arrive. Speaking on the matter, Meta highlighted their enforcement efforts: “We disrupted scammers targeting multiple regions with false promises of gifts, coupons, and products. These scams manipulated users into sharing personal data or making purchases through fake websites."

The message is clear—stay cautious and avoid offers that seem too good to be true.

Tools to stay ahead

Meta isn’t stopping at awareness. The company has unveiled several tools to help users stay protected. On WhatsApp, if an unknown person sends a message or adds you to a group, a context card now provides key details about the sender. Similarly, Instagram has implemented warnings when suspicious accounts request to follow users. On Facebook Marketplace, alerts pop up when patterns matching known scams are detected, giving users an extra layer of security.

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Over the past year, Meta has also taken down more than two million accounts linked to scam networks, particularly those operating from countries like Cambodia, the UAE, and the Philippines. Their efforts include disrupting phishing domains, working with web hosts and domain registrars, and publishing monthly transparency reports to keep users informed. A spokesperson added that these actions reinforce their commitment to making online spaces safer for everyone.

A star-studded campaign for India

In India, the campaign has a local twist with Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana leading the charge. Meta launched the “Scams Se Bacho” campaign featuring Khurrana, complete with a catchy remake of the iconic song “Oye Lucky Lucky Oye” to spread awareness in a light-hearted manner. They’ve also joined forces with regional influencers and content creators to promote safety tips in nine languages, ensuring the message reaches diverse audiences.

The campaign extends beyond celebrities, with government partnerships playing a pivotal role. Meta has teamed up with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to tackle scams head-on. A spokesperson remarked: “These initiatives showcase our dedication to working with governments and communities to curb the rising cases of online fraud.”

Meta’s anti-scam efforts are a timely reminder that while the festive season brings joy, it’s also a time to stay vigilant. As scammers evolve their tactics, the combination of awareness, tools, and enforcement can help keep your holidays safe and stress-free.