20 Crore Fake Facebook Accounts in India, 93 Crore Globally; Mainly Used for Election Campaigns

The proliferation of fake Facebook accounts in India, amounting to approximately 20 crores, poses a significant challenge as they are extensively utilized for various malicious activities, including online scams, misrepresentation of individuals, and manipulation of election campaigns. According to Facebook’s latest report, a staggering 93 crore fake accounts have been globally banned, shedding light on the widespread issue of fraudulent activities on the platform. Cyber police authorities emphasize the need for heightened cyber threat awareness among users, cautioning against falling victim to scams, especially during election periods.

These fake accounts are often created with the intention of extortion, with some instances involving attempts to deceive individuals by impersonating retired bank managers or other reputable figures. Cybercriminals leverage multiple IP addresses to simultaneously create up to 50 fake accounts, complicating efforts to trace and combat these activities. The challenge also extends to preventing account hacking, urging users to adopt strong passwords and exercise caution against phishing attempts. With the potential to influence election campaigns and compromise user security, addressing the issue of fake accounts on social media platforms remains a critical aspect of ensuring a safe and trustworthy digital environment.