WhatsApp said it has removed more than 6.8 million accounts linked to global fraud operations in the first half of 2025, as part of an intensified crackdown on cybercriminal activity across its platform.
The Meta-owned messaging service disclosed the action in a statement on Monday, citing the growing use of deepfakes, cloned voices, and cross-platform fraud to deceive users.
Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East, and Türkiye, said the operation is part of WhatsApp’s broader commitment to security.
“This isn’t just about banning accounts. We’re actively building tools that empower users to detect and avoid sophisticated scams before they cause harm,” Boakye said.
The platform also rolled out in-app updates designed to give users more context when unknown numbers attempt contact—particularly in group chats. Users will be nudged to “pause, question, and verify” unusual messages, especially those requesting urgent actions like money transfers or gift card purchases.
Meta also revealed it worked with OpenAI to dismantle a cross-platform scam operation in Cambodia that used AI-generated lures to redirect victims to cryptocurrency fraud schemes.
More security enhancements are expected in the coming months as WhatsApp intensifies efforts to protect its 2-billion-plus user base.
