WhatsApp Closes 6.8 Million Accounts. WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, has closed 6.8 million accounts in the first six months of 2025. The company, owned by Meta, has taken this step on charges of being involved in a fraud ring.
According to information provided by Meta, these accounts were mainly linked to ‘scam centers’ or fraud rings. In many cases, criminals used to pressure and force labor in Southeast Asia. Their activities included the lure of investing in cryptocurrency, promising huge returns, displaying fake opportunities on social media, and sending tempting offers in private messages.
At first, the rings would communicate with the target users through text messages. Later, traps would be laid using social media and private messaging apps. Meta said that the use of multiple platforms often made it difficult to understand the full picture of the fraud.
Meta urged users to be cautious, saying they should not add numbers they do not know or are not in their contact list to groups and should refrain from clicking on links from unknown numbers.
Lisa Webb, a UK consumer law expert, said Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users are being inundated with advertisements for fake investments, fraudulent products and non-existent job offers. She also advised Meta to be more vigilant.