Meta has removed dozens of fraudulent advertisements from Facebook and Instagram after Indian authorities warned that scammers were using sexually explicit content to trick users into downloading malicious apps capable of stealing sensitive financial information.
%20(1).webp "Meta Removes Fraud Ads Posing as Porn Apps After India Raises Alarm")
The scam advertisements, which appeared under names including “Night Play” and “Kyss,” directed users to phishing websites promoting Android applications disguised as pornography apps. Once installed, the malicious apps could potentially access information stored on users’ phones, intercept one-time passwords and bank PINs, and transfer money without the victims’ knowledge.
Indian authorities issued an advisory after identifying an increase in financial fraud linked to these fake applications. The warning comes as cybercriminals increasingly exploit social media advertising platforms to reach large numbers of potential victims with deceptive offers and attention-grabbing content.
Reuters found at least 39 of the fraudulent advertisements still active after the government advisory was issued. Meta subsequently removed the ads after Reuters brought them to the company's attention.
India recorded nearly $2.4 billion in cyber-fraud losses in 2025, highlighting the growing financial impact of online scams as digital payments become more widely used.
The incident has renewed concerns about how effectively social media platforms detect fraudulent advertising and protect users from increasingly sophisticated scams designed to steal personal information and money.