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Meta, the Facebook and Instagram parent company, is under fire after a major report revealed that thousands of fraudulent ads have been authorized to operate on its platforms.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Meta represented almost half of all scammer complaints related to Zelle transactions to JpMorgan Chase between mid -2013 and mid 2014.

Other banks have also reported a large number of fraud cases linked to finish platforms.

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Why are scam ads so widespread?

The problem of The scammers on Facebook It has grown rapidly in recent years. Experts point to the rise of Cryptonomic schemes, Content generated by AI and organized criminal groups Operating from the south -East Asian. These scams range from false investment opportunities to misleading products and even the sale of non -existent puppies.

The FBI warns the scam aimed at victims with fake hospitals and police

An example includes Edgar Guzman, a legitimate owner of the company in Atlanta, whose storage address was used by scammers in more than 4,400 Facebook and Instagram ads. These ads promised deep discounts on bulk goods, deceiving people to send money for products that never existed.

“What scares is that we have to break people who have been scammed. We don’t even make sales online,” Guzman told journalists.

As Facebook secretly collects your information even if you have not registered

Meta Answer: Is it enough?

Meta says that it is struggling with new technologies and collaborations, including facial recognition tools and collaborations with banks and other technology companies. A spokesman described the situation as a “scam epidemic” and insisted that the goal is taking aggressive actions, eliminating more than 2 million accounts linked to scammer centers in various countries this year.

However, the privileged tell a different story. Current and old -old employees say that the company has been reluctant to hinder advertisers to buy ads, fearing that it could harm the company’s funding line. According to reports, staff tolerated eight and 32 “strikes” before banning accounts and the application of the scam was exiled to avoid losing their advertising revenue.

Meta Ends Facts Checking Program as Zuckerberg agrees to restore free expression on Facebook, Instagram

The FBI warns the scam aimed at victims with fake hospitals and police

The human cost of inaction

Victims of these scams often lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In one case, fake ads promised McCormick & Co. For just a small shipping fee, only to steal the credit card data and accumulate fraudulent charges. Another common scam consists of sales of fake puppies, with victims sending deposits for pets that never arrive. Some scam operations are even linked human traffickingWith criminal groups that forced victims abducted to execute online fraud schemes under threat of violence.

This is what you are doing wrong when the scammers call

Ethical and legal questions for the goal

Meta maintains that it is not legally responsible for the fraudulent content on its platforms, citing section 230 of the Federal Law, which protects technology companies from the responsibility for the content generated by the user. In the court archives, Meta has argued that “it does not owe the users” when it comes to police fraud. Meanwhile, to Demand for class action The AD range metrics of supposedly swollen Add Advance, further pressing the goal to face transparency and accountability.

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How to protect —s from scam ads

Keeping -Safe online requires a little more effort, but it’s worth it. Here are some steps you can follow to avoid the victim of the scammer ads.

1. Check the source and use a strong antivirus software: Look for verified pages and official websites. The scammers often copy the names and logos of trust brands, but the web address or details of the page may be disabled. Always check the URL for minor slight or additional characters and avoid clicking links to ads if you are not sure of your legitimacy.

The best way to protect the malicious links that install malicious software, which can potentially access private information, is to install a strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to Phishing emails and ransomware scams, maintaining safe personal information and digital assets. Get my options for the best antivirus 2025 protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Be skeptical of offers that look too good to be true: If an ad offers products at an incredible price or promises great yields, pause and investigate before clicking. The scammers usually use striking discounts or urgent language to attract people quickly. Take a time to think before acting and remember that if something sounds impossible, probably.

3. Research the seller: Find reviews and complaints about the company or person. If you do not find any credible information, it is best to avoid supply. A fast online search can reveal whether others have reported scams or have bad experiences, and legitimate companies usually have a history that you can verify.

4. Think of using a personal data removal service: There are companies that can help delete personal information from data runners and people’s search sites. This means less than your floating data to find and use them. While these services usually charge a fee, they can save you a lot of time and discomfort compared to doing everything. Over time, you could notice fewer spam, emails and even a lower risk of identity theft. View my most important options for data removal services here.

5. Never share sensitive information: Do not enter your credit card or bank details in poorly known sites. If you ask for personal information, check the legitimacy of the application. The scammers can request sensitive data under the costume of “verifying your identity” or processing a payment, but good reputation companies will never ask for it through unsafe channels.

6. Keep updated your devices: Keeping your Updated software Add an additional layer of protection against the latest threats. Updates often include significant security patches that solve the vulnerabilities that hackers can try to exploit. Regularly updating the devices, help close these security gaps and keep the personal information of the scammers and malicious software.

7. Report suspicious ads: If you see a scam ad on Facebook or Instagram, inform you through the platform tools. This helps to alert others and pressure on the goal to take measurements. The reports are fast and anonymous, and plays a crucial role in helping platforms to identify patterns and eliminate harmful content.

8. Supervise your accounts: Regularly check the states of your bank and credit card for unauthorized transactions, especially after online purchases. Early detection can help you limit damage if your information is committed and most banks have fraud protection services that can help you if you detect something suspicious.

Following these steps, you can protect -you better yourself and your online scam finances. Keeping -Alert and report is your best defense in the current digital world.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Disaster with scammers on finish platforms shows why it is important to consider your online line. Meta says he is working on the problem, but many people think he does not move fast enough. Keeping -be careful, questioning suspicious offers and using good safety tools, you can keep you safe. Until the platforms increase their game, protect -SE is the smartest movement you can do.

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Meta should do more to protect users from scammers, even if it is to make changes that can affect their advertising revenue? Do -us to know by writing -us to Cyberguy.com/contact.

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