Meta targets online scams as criminal networks use gambling to lure victims on social media

Online scams remain one of the main digital threats. Criminal groups increasingly use social media to spread fraud, attract victims and promote illegal schemes such as fake investments and non-existent online casinos.

Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, has announced new security measures. The company reports a rise in fraudulent campaigns using gambling-related content to lure users into sending money or registering on unauthorised platforms.

Meta says digital fraud is more organised and global. Criminal groups use multiple digital channels, such as social media, messaging apps, investment platforms, and cryptocurrency services, to expand their reach and credibility.

Over 159 million fraudulent ads removed in 2025

Meta removed more than 159 million fraudulent ads in 2025 for violating advertising policies on its platforms.

The company also deleted 10.9 million Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to scam networks, many tied to organised scam centres.

Meta warns that over 90 per cent of fraudulent content is now detected before users can even report it, thanks to robust automated systems that identify suspicious ads and activity patterns.

Gambling is used as a tool to lure victims

In recent months, investigators have identified several fraudulent schemes that exploit online gambling to attract users.

Scammers often promote fake gaming platforms or claim to offer guaranteed ways to win money. These messages sometimes use images of celebrities, brands or influencers to appear more credible.

Meta reports that one of the most common tactics involves fraudsters impersonating public figures or major brands to promote fake investment schemes or gaming platforms, trying to convince victims to register on scam sites or deposit money.

This trend blurs the line between investment, trading, and gambling. Criminal groups use this to lure more users and boost scam effectiveness.

The SiGMA News investigation into the fake “Amazon Slots” casinos

A recent investigation by SiGMA News uncovered the spread on social media of alleged online casinos branded as Amazon Slots, falsely claiming links to the Amazon brand. The promotional campaigns used manipulated images and fabricated endorsements – including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and influencer Khaby Lame – to persuade users of the platform’s legitimacy. In reality, these were fraudulent websites designed to collect user deposits or harvest personal data.

Following the revelations brought to light by our investigation, Amazon distanced itself from the scheme, while ADM (Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency) also intervened, confirming that the platform is not among the operators authorised to offer online gambling services in Italy. The case highlights how the misuse of global brands and celebrity identities has become one of the most common tactics used in gambling-related online scams.

International crackdown on scam centres

Meta has announced an international operation targeting scam networks based in Southeast Asia.

In collaboration with authorities from several countries and the Royal Thai Police, Meta disabled over 150,000 accounts linked to scam centres. The operation led to 21 arrests.

Investigators found that these networks created thousands of fake social media profiles to contact victims, build online relationships, and promote fake investment schemes or offers of quick profits.

The scammers used social platforms to distribute fraudulent ads and run private groups and conversations where victims were persuaded to transfer money.

Romance scams and fabricated digital identities

Meta has also taken action against romance scams that manipulate online relationships to extract money. These schemes are growing fast and preying on vulnerable users.

The company says it dismantled a network of more than 15,000 accounts and pages that scammers used for romance scams. In many cases, scammers pretended to be young Japanese women seeking online relationships.

After gaining trust, scammers requested money or promoted investment schemes, sometimes involving online gaming.

These tactics show that digital fraud often relies on psychological and emotional manipulation by scammers.

The Nigeria case: fake cryptocurrency traders

Authorities in Nigeria and the United Kingdom dismantled a scam operation in Agbor, Delta State, as part of a high-priority, urgent international investigation.

Investigators say the group created fake social media accounts posing as cryptocurrency traders and ran online communities focused on digital investments.

Victims were promised large returns to persuade them to transfer money into wallets controlled by scammers. Several arrests followed. The case shows that many online fraud schemes now combine social media, cryptocurrency and promises of quick profits.

Artificial intelligence to detect fraud

Meta is investing in artificial intelligence systems designed to automatically detect early signs of digital fraud.

These systems analyse text, images, and other signals to spot suspicious patterns, such as impersonation, misuse of brands, or unrealistic promises.

This proactive approach is vital in halting fraudulent campaigns before they can reach and harm more users.

New security tools for users

Meta is rolling out new user safety measures with urgency, supplementing automated fraud detection to counter rapidly evolving threats.

On Facebook, automatic alerts warn users of friend requests from suspicious accounts. On WhatsApp, new notifications alert users if someone tries to link their account to an unauthorised device, a common fraud tactic.

Messenger will introduce systems that detect scams in chats with unknown contacts. If a scam is found, users get warnings and advice on blocking or reporting.

Advertiser verification and safer advertising

Meta says verifying advertisers’ identities forms a key part of its strategy.

Advertiser identity verification is a central element of Meta’s strategy. By 2026, it aims for 90 per cent of advertising revenue to come from verified advertisers, focusing especially on the highest-risk sectors: financial investments, cryptocurrencies, and online gambling.

This step aims to reduce fraudulent campaigns via social media ads.

A global response to digital fraud: Meta says removing harmful content is not enough to fight scams. The company is launching awareness campaigns with financial authorities, global organisations, and consumer groups to help users recognise signs of digital fraud.

The aim is to help users recognise warning signs of digital fraud, especially when scams use gambling or promise quick profits.

Meta states that because criminal groups now operate across many platforms at once, the response must be global and coordinated, combining technology, international cooperation and user awareness.

This article was first published in Italian on 16 March 2026.

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