Meta Platforms has taken significant action against a network of Nigerian accounts involved in financial sexual extortion scams, primarily targeting adult men in the United States.
Approximately 63,000 Instagram accounts were removed, along with 7,200 Facebook accounts, pages, and groups dedicated to providing scam tutorials.
Known as “Yahoo boys,” Nigerian scammers have gained notoriety for various online frauds, including impersonation and investment scams. In the case of sextortion, victims are threatened with the release of explicit images or videos if they don’t pay a ransom.
While the majority of attempts were unsuccessful, Meta reported instances targeting minors to the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
This operation highlights the growing challenge of online fraud and the efforts of tech companies to combat it. Meta has faced increasing pressure to address safety concerns, particularly regarding child protection.
The company’s move to disrupt this sextortion network underscores its commitment to combating online crime and protecting users.
Nigeria’s economic challenges have contributed to the rise of online scams as individuals seek alternative income sources. Meta’s action is part of a broader effort to address this issue and safeguard users from financial and emotional harm.
