Meta removes scam ads after India flags explicit-content bait luring users to download phishing apps

Meta removed numerous advertisements on Monday after India flagged a pattern of ads on Facebook as well as Instagram in which explicit content was being used to lure users into downloading fraudulent apps that could steal their personal credentials and drain their bank accounts, Reuters reported.

Around $2.4 billion was recorded in losses from cyber frauds in India in 2025 alone, as per government data seen by Reuters. The digital payments boon in the country is being an increasing target of online scammers.