Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is facing renewed scrutiny after a new report alleged Facebook allowed scam advertisers targeting seniors with fake Medicare-related offers to repeatedly run ads across its platforms.
The report, released Tuesday by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, found that 30 major scam advertiser accounts generated an estimated 215 million ad impressions over the past year. Roughly 73% of those impressions reportedly came from users over the age of 65.
Researchers said many of the ads used fake celebrity endorsements and AI-generated videos featuring figures including President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey and Brad Pitt to convince seniors to click links or call phone numbers. Some ads falsely promised grocery cards, rent assistance or thousands of dollars in free government benefits through Medicare.
The report alleged Meta repeatedly allowed nearly identical scam ads to reappear even after some versions were removed for violating company policies.
Meta Responds To Scam Ad Allegations
Meta said scammers continue using increasingly sophisticated tactics to avoid detection across internet platforms. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the company removed more than 159 million scam ads last year, with 92% taken down before users reported them, and added that Meta continues working with law enforcement agencies and industry partners …
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