Meta Platforms Inc disclosed on Wednesday that it had eradicated approximately 63,000 Instagram accounts in Nigeria involved in financial sexual extortion scams primarily targeting adult men in the United States.
The Nigerian perpetrators, often called “Yahoo boys,” are notorious for various scams. They pose as individuals in financial distress or Nigerian royalty and promise high investment returns.
Meta stated in a release that the 63,000 removed accounts were primarily on Instagram, noting the removal of 7,200 Facebook accounts, pages, and groups dedicated to providing scamming advice.
The company also dismantled a smaller network of about 2,500 accounts linked to approximately 20 individuals.
In instances of sexual extortion, or “sextortion,” victims are threatened with the dissemination of compromising photos, whether factual or fabricated, unless they pay a ransom.
While the majority of the scams were unsuccessful and targeted primarily adults, Meta reported attempts against minors to the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Representatives from Meta emphasized that while they had previously disrupted similar networks, they were disclosing the latest operation to raise awareness.
The social media giant has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly from U.S. lawmakers, over allegations that its platforms have been harmful to children, prompting Meta to defend its practices and policies.
