Scam Ads and Fake Promotions Reportedly Helped Meta Earn Over ₹1.3 Lakh Crore in Revenue

Social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has reportedly earned more than ₹1.3 lakh crore in revenue from advertisements, some of which are linked to scam and misleading content. The revelation has sparked concerns among digital experts and lawmakers about how deceptive advertising practices are slipping through Meta’s content regulation systems, potentially endangering millions of online users.

According to recent analyses, a significant portion of Meta’s ad revenue in India and globally has come from small advertisers and third-party marketers promoting fraudulent products, fake job offers, and deceptive investment schemes. These ads often use manipulated visuals, impersonate celebrities, or display fake endorsements to trick users into clicking links that lead to scams or malware websites.

Experts say the issue lies in the sheer scale of Meta’s ad ecosystem. With billions of users across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the company’s automated ad approval systems struggle to detect all forms of malicious content. While Meta claims it uses AI-based tools and human reviewers to filter out deceptive ads, many still manage to reach unsuspecting users before they are reported or removed.

India, being one of Meta’s largest markets, faces a unique challenge. The country has seen a rapid rise in digital literacy and smartphone penetration, but not all users are aware of how online advertising works. This gap is exploited by scammers who place ads that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal information, money, or social media credentials.

Cybersecurity professionals argue that the responsibility extends beyond the advertisers. Platforms like Meta have a duty to maintain strict ad verification systems and transparency around paid content. The problem intensifies when fraudulent ads remain live long enough to gain reach, helping scammers profit while Meta earns legitimate revenue from ad impressions and clicks.

Critics point out that while Meta publicly advocates for online safety and transparency, its business model depends heavily on ad revenue. This creates a conflict of interest where stricter regulation might impact profits. On the other hand, Meta maintains that it continuously improves its systems to remove misleading content and works closely with law enforcement agencies to track down fraudsters.

For Indian users, these fake ads pose both financial and emotional risks. Victims often fall for investment scams, counterfeit products, or phishing links disguised as legitimate offers. Awareness campaigns have been launched by the Reserve Bank of India and several cybersecurity organizations urging users to verify ad sources before engaging.

Analysts also believe that stronger government intervention may be required. India’s upcoming Digital India Act and amendments to IT Rules are expected to introduce clearer accountability for digital platforms over misleading advertisements and harmful content.

As digital advertising continues to grow, experts say transparency must evolve too. Meta’s revenue figures underline the massive influence it holds over online communication, but they also highlight the urgent need for stricter monitoring, better user education, and greater collaboration between tech companies and regulators.