Meta has removed more than 3.7 million Facebook and Instagram accounts, Pages and Groups linked to scam networks operating in West Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana at the centre of a major international crackdown on online fraud.
The operation, announced on October 13, 2026, brought together Meta, 14 other technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries. Authorities reported 28 arrests, the identification of more than 30 suspected scam centres and the rescue of 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to participate in fraudulent activities in Ghana.
The crackdown targeted organised criminal networks that used social media accounts and other digital tools to deceive victims across international borders. Many of the accounts removed appeared to target people in the United States and the United Kingdom by impersonating American and British users.
According to Meta, the removed accounts, Pages and Groups were linked to scam operations based in West Africa. The networks allegedly used fake identities and deceptive online profiles to build trust with unsuspecting users before attempting to steal their money.
The operation was coordinated with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), alongside the United States Department of Justice, the FBI and other international partners.
Technology companies shared intelligence across platforms, financial systems and jurisdictions to help identify the people, infrastructure and financial activity supporting the suspected criminal networks.
Meta described the initiative as the first broad joint disruption specifically targeting scam centres in West Africa. The company also said Microsoft suspended accounts suspected of being associated with the fraudulent activities.
Nigeria and Ghana were among the countries directly involved in the enforcement operation, which exposed the cross-border nature of organised online fraud. According to information released by authorities, nine people were arrested in Nigeria, while 19 were arrested in Ghana. Investigators also seized hundreds of electronic devices believed to be connected to the suspected activities.
In Ghana, authorities rescued 117 people who were allegedly held against their will and forced to work in scam operations. Officials said the individuals had suffered physical and psychological abuse and were awaiting repatriation to Nigeria.
The findings highlight an important aspect of organised online fraud: not everyone involved in operating a scam account is necessarily participating voluntarily. Some individuals may themselves be victims of human trafficking and coercion. The operation therefore addressed both the financial crimes affecting victims around the world and the alleged exploitation of people forced to carry them out.
The crackdown focused on several common fraud schemes that exploit trust, financial pressure and the widespread use of social media.
Cryptocurrency and investment scams: Fraudsters build relationships with victims before persuading them to invest in fake or fraudulent opportunities, sometimes promising unusually high returns.
Fake job offers: Criminals advertise attractive employment opportunities or simple online tasks, then demand upfront payments or deposits from applicants.
Romance scams: Fake online identities are used to develop emotional relationships before victims are persuaded to send money.
Impersonation scams: Fraudsters pretend to be police officers, government officials or military personnel to frighten victims into making payments.
Online shopping fraud: Sellers collect payments for products or services that are never delivered.
Money recovery scams: Criminals target people who have already lost money, promising to recover their funds in exchange for an upfront fee.
These schemes can begin with a Facebook post, an Instagram profile, a direct message or an online advertisement. Scammers may later move conversations to WhatsApp or other messaging platforms to continue their deception.
The operation also produced financial intelligence that could help investigators trace proceeds from suspected scams. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, participating agencies and technology companies identified at least $11 million in funds that could potentially be frozen.
However, this figure should not be interpreted as money already recovered or returned to victims. It represents funds identified as potentially subject to freezing, and the final amount recovered remains unclear.
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase also identified more than 65 active scam victims and helped prevent potential losses exceeding $415,000. These findings demonstrate how cooperation between technology companies, financial services and law enforcement can help disrupt fraudulent activity before more people lose money.
The removal of millions of accounts represents a significant enforcement action, but it does not mean online scams have disappeared.
Fraudsters can create replacement accounts, change usernames and move between platforms. Users therefore still need to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar people and businesses online.
Experts advise users to be particularly careful when someone they have never met requests money, offers guaranteed investment returns, demands payment to secure a job or claims they can recover previously stolen funds for an upfront fee.
Users should also avoid sharing passwords, banking information, verification codes or sensitive personal details with unverified contacts. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should report the account to the platform and contact their bank or payment provider immediately if money has been sent.
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