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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2024-07-25 16:55:40.770
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Meta nukes massive Instagram sextortion network of 63,000 accounts. Meta has removed 63,000 Instagram accounts from Nigeria that were involved in sextortion scams, including a coordinated network of 2,500 accounts linked to 20 individuals targeting primarily adult men in the United States. The social media giant said these accounts are linked to an organized cybercrime group called ‘Yahoo Boys,’ that has recently increased its operational volume. Apart from the offending Instagram accounts, Meta has also deleted 1,300 Facebook accounts, 200 Facebook Pages, and 5,700 Facebook Groups, also based in Nigeria, that were handing out tips and training material for carrying out various scams. Additionally, measures have been implemented to automatically block attempts by scammers to rebound by creating new accounts on social media platforms. Sextortion scams is a form of cybercrime where perpetrators coerce individuals into sending explicit images or videos and then threaten to release them unless a ransom is paid, or more media is sent. The scammer, who typically operates under a fake or stolen identity, initially presents romantic interest to establish trust and then persuades the victim to share intimate photos. In the next phase, the scammer reveals their true intentions, threatening to distribute the material to the victim’s friends, family, or public portals unless they get paid. Sextortion can have devastating, long-lasting effects on the victim, so social media platforms that scammers abuse to carry out this crime are actively working towards the quick identification and removal of offending accounts. Meta says it achieves better results on that front by ramping up human-powered investigations combined with using a new set of technical signals that pinpoint suspicious activity. Meta’s protection systems and anti-extortion measures include: The FBI previously reported that sextortion crimes targeting young males are unfortunately on the rise, and in some cases, led victims to self-harm or even suicide. Victims of sextortion are advised to report it immediately via the FBI’s tips portal and also consult this wepage for more information about the particular crime and how to protect from it.
Daily Brief Summary
Meta has eliminated 63,000 Instagram accounts based in Nigeria involved in large-scale sextortion scams.
The operation included a tightly organized network of 2,500 accounts managed by 20 individuals targeting American men.
These Instagram accounts were part of a broader cybercrime group known as ‘Yahoo Boys,’ also responsible for coordinating scams via 1,300 Facebook accounts, 200 Pages, and 5,700 Groups.
The social media giant has implemented advanced measures to prevent the scammers from creating new accounts, enhancing their capability to block suspicious activities.
Sextortion, the central crime committed by these accounts, involves coercing victims into sending private images and then demanding payment under threats of public exposure.
Meta has intensified its effort to detect and disable such fraudulent accounts using a combination of human investigations and new technical signals.
The FBI notes an upsurge in sextortion crimes, especially targeting young males, with some instances leading to severe emotional distress or suicidal actions.
Victims are urged to report incidents of sextortion to the FBI and seek guidance on how to handle such extortion schemes effectively.