As the holiday shopping season begins, a global anti-scam awareness campaign has been launched to help individuals remain secure online. Scammers are using various methods such as malicious texts, emails, and websites impersonating known brands to deceive people.

The campaign shares recent safety tools introduced on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This includes new research into holiday scams disrupted on these apps and updates on actions taken against phishing domains. "We partnered with a top internet safety expert and ethical hacker, Rachel Tobac, to share how scammers might be targeting people online this holiday season and how to avoid scams."

Efforts have been made with open-source researchers at Graphika to identify and disrupt scams exploiting the holiday period. According to their research, three common scams include false promises of Christmas gift boxes, discount holiday decorations at unrealistically low prices, and fake holiday coupons.

To combat these issues, several anti-scam tools were introduced this year. On WhatsApp, users receive context cards about unknown contacts or groups. Instagram reminds users about potentially suspicious interactions from certain accounts. Additionally, Marketplace warns users if messages fit known scam patterns.

The fight against scammers involves collaboration with law enforcement and industries like financial services. The Fraud Intelligence Reciprocal Exchange (FIRE) program allows banks globally to share information about potential scam activities.

Significant action has been taken against phishing domains impersonating Meta's brands worldwide. Over 15,000 URLs hosting phishing content in Vietnam were removed this year alone. In Singapore, over 9,000 URLs mimicking Meta's platforms were taken down.

Awareness campaigns continue in partnership with public figures and organizations globally. Notable efforts include working with comedians Adal Ramones and Fede Cyrulnik in Latin America on a stand-up show sharing safety tips. In Europe and other regions, collaborations aim to educate young adults about online scams.

The ongoing initiative will provide regular updates on counter-scam efforts including safety tips and product updates across apps.