Meta Removes 63,000 Nigerian Accounts Engaged in Financial Sextortion Scams

Meta Platforms has removed 63,000 accounts in Nigeria for engaging in financial sextortion scams targeting adult men in the U.S. The notorious 'Yahoo boys' engaged in scams ranging from fake financial needs to Nigerian prince schemes. Meta reported additional accounts and efforts to stop scam activities.

Meta Platforms announced on Wednesday the removal of around 63,000 accounts in Nigeria, which were involved in financial sextortion scams primarily targeting adult men in the United States.

Notorious Nigerian fraudsters, known as 'Yahoo boys,' were responsible for various scams, including impersonating individuals in financial distress or posing as Nigerian princes offering lucrative investments. Meta confirmed the accounts were on Instagram and also eliminated 7,200 Facebook accounts, pages, and groups giving scamming tips.

A smaller network of approximately 2,500 accounts linked to 20 individuals was also dismantled. Sextortion involves threatening to release compromising photos unless a ransom is paid. Most scams failed, but attempts against minors were reported to the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This move comes as Meta faces increased scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and officials on protecting children from online threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)