Fighting digital fraud: how Meta plans to protect older users online 👵🏾 💻

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As online scams multiply, older adults have become prime targets. Less familiar with digital tools, many fall prey to increasingly sophisticated schemes. To tackle the issue, Meta has launched a global awareness campaign aimed at improving digital safety for seniors.

A growing target for online fraud ⚠️

The announcement was made on October 21 via the company’s official blog in a post titled “Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Helping Older Adults Avoid Online Scams.” The initiative, part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aims to help users recognize fraudulent behavior across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Meta says older adults are becoming increasingly vulnerable to digital scams — from fake investments to identity theft and phishing attempts. According to a 2024 FBI report cited by the company, Americans over 60 lost $4.8 billion to online fraud in a single year.

In that same period, Meta claims to have removed nearly 8 million fraudulent accounts across its platforms — a figure that highlights both the scale of the problem and the urgent need for better digital literacy among older users.

Practical tools for safer browsing 🔐

To help protect seniors, Meta is highlighting several safety tools already available on its apps:
• Privacy Checkup, a step-by-step guide to review and adjust privacy settings.
• Passkeys, a password-free login system that’s both more secure and easier to use.
• Security alerts, which notify users when suspicious activity is detected on their accounts.

© Meta

These tools — built into Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram — aim to make the digital experience safer and more intuitive, especially for those still navigating the world of social media.

Learning to spot the red flags🕵🏾‍♀️

But the campaign isn’t just about tools — it’s about education and prevention. Meta is rolling out educational videos, tutorials, and local partnerships to help older adults recognize common scam tactics before they fall victim.

The company offers a few key safety tips:
• Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls.
• Don’t act hastily when facing “urgent” requests.
• Always use official customer service channels.

© Meta

Meta is also encouraging family involvement. Relatives can play an active role by helping seniors manage their accounts and spot fake profiles or suspicious links.

Building lasting digital trust 🌍

The initiative is being rolled out across multiple regions as part of Meta’s broader strategy to strengthen user trust and promote a culture of digital safety on its platforms.

For the social media giant, the message is clear: technology should be inclusive and empowering — not a trap for the most vulnerable.

👉🏾 Do you think platforms like Meta are doing enough to protect older adults from online scams?