India Rises to Second Spot in Global Cyber Scam Targets: Meta Report Reveals
India Becomes Second Most Targeted Country for Cyber Scams
India has become the second most targeted country worldwide for cyber scams, according to a recent report from Meta. The report highlights the growing sophistication of online scams, the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating fraud, and the challenges posed by international scam networks operating across social media platforms.
India’s Vulnerability to Cyber Scams
The report reveals that English-speaking users in the United States are the most frequently targeted by cyber scam syndicates, closely followed by users in India. These syndicates exploit India’s rapidly growing digital economy, affordable internet access, and widespread smartphone adoption to reach potential victims through social media messages, phone calls, and messaging apps.
“The proliferation of inexpensive smartphones and low-cost data has enabled scammers to reach individuals easily, making India a prime target for online fraud,” noted senior cyber law expert Krishna Grandhi.
New Scam Tactics
One specific scam highlighted in the report is the “digital arrest” fraud, where scammers impersonate law enforcement officers via phone or video calls to intimidate victims into transferring funds. Experts emphasize the need for stronger legal and regulatory frameworks to protect Indian users from cross-border cybercrime.
The report also warns that generative artificial intelligence is increasingly powering next-generation scams. Scammers are using AI to create highly realistic fake identities with convincing profile images, detailed backstories, and natural-sounding communication styles. This has lowered the barrier to entry for scammers while increasing the believability of their schemes.
International Scale of Scam Networks
In addition, the report describes “hyper-personalized” attacks, where AI-generated deepfake videos and synthetic profiles are deployed to evade platform detection systems. These technologies allow cybercriminals to tailor lures to individual users, making it difficult for ordinary internet users to distinguish between genuine accounts and fraudulent ones.
Furthermore, the report highlights the international scale of scam networks, with many operations targeting Indian users based in Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These syndicates constantly shift locations and refine their narratives, creating additional challenges for law enforcement due to jurisdictional limitations, fragmented legal frameworks, and the absence of extradition agreements.
Emergence of AI-Enabled Sexual Exploitation Tools
The report also flags the emergence of AI-enabled sexual exploitation tools, including “nudify” applications, which generate explicit images of individuals without their consent. Experts call for urgent regulation and technological safeguards to prevent the misuse of such tools.
Recommendations to Address Cyber Scams
To address the growing threat of cyber scams in India, experts recommend enhancing digital literacy programs and updating the IT Act and criminal code to address AI-assisted fraud and synthetic identity theft. The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the evolving cyber-threat landscape in India, underscoring the urgent need for robust legal action, improved digital literacy, and technological measures to protect users from increasingly sophisticated scams.
In 2025, Meta removed over 10.9 million Facebook and Instagram accounts, 600,000 Pages, and 112,000 advertising accounts for violations related to fraud, scams, and deceptive practices, reflecting the scale of the problem. Investigators continue to identify emerging scam trends, such as fake rental listings targeting financially vulnerable individuals and fraudulent “funeral livestream” services.
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