WhatsApp Blocks Millions Of Fraud Accounts And Tracks Criminal Center Activities In Cambodia

WhatsApp seeks to protect users (photo: dock. Meta)

JAKARTA Meta, the platform that houses WhatsApp, realizes that its messaging platform is often a hotbed for fraud. Therefore, Meta seeks to eradicate fraud on WhatsApp.

In a recent report shared by Meta, the company said it had blocked millions of accounts. Within six months, Meta managed to detect and block more than 6.8 million accounts connected to criminal fraud centers.

Most of these accounts operate in Southeast Asia. These fraud centers often run fraudulent campaigns simultaneously with varying modes, ranging from investing in cryptocurrencies to illegal business models with pyramid schemes.

"Based on our investigative insight into the latest law enforcement efforts, we proactively detected and closed accounts before the fraud center could operate them," Meta said, quoted from its report on Wednesday, August 6.

The Habits Of Fraudsters On WhatsApp

Meta also revealed various attempts usually made by fraudsters to attract victims. Usually, fraudsters often target victims from a number of different platforms before finally exchanging contacts and interacting on WhatsApp.

For example, there are fraudsters who target victims through a dating application, then proceed to WhatsApp, after that to a social media platform, then to a payment platform or crypto. This is done so that the platform finds it difficult to detect fraudulent acts.

Recently, Meta and OpenAI managed to thwart a fraud attempt from a criminal center in Cambodia. This scam tries to trap victims by offering payments for fake likes on social media or inviting them to join a pyramid scheme.

The fraudsters used ChatGPT to create interesting initial text messages. The message will direct the victim to a WhatsApp chat, then the user will be directed to Telegram quickly.

On Telegram, the victim will be tasked with liking videos on TikTok with the lure of money. Once the victim feels safe, the fraudster will ask them to deposit money into the crypto account as the next task.

Meta realizes how dangerous this scam method is. To keep WhatsApp users safe, Meta has partnered with internet security experts. Experts will provide tips for recognizing fraud and how to avoid it.