CCDH News Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report released today by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) reveals how Meta’s advertising platform fuels the expansive spread of Medicare Advantage scams targeting older Americans. The investigation found scammers using Meta’s advertising tools to target seniors with misleading ads that promise “free” benefits such as groceries or cash.

The report, Scambook, finds that Medicare scam ads on Facebook generated more than 215 million views in the past year alone, nearly six times the reach of all previous years combined. Older Americans viewed the vast majority, enabled by Meta’s ad targeting tools. These ads often impersonate government programs or use deepfake endorsements from public figures to build trust, before directing users to share personal information or switch to plans that may leave them worse off.

“This is a business model that puts revenue ahead of the well-being of American seniors. Many elderly people will suffer catastrophic economic harm, as well as enduring shame and potentially serious impacts on their physical and mental health.” — Imran Ahmed, CEO and founder, CCDH

“We finally have clear evidence that Meta is doing business with scammers preying on older Americans, providing them with a sophisticated advertising platform that helps them identify and access potential victims,” said Imran Ahmed, CEO and founder of CCDH. “Section 230 was meant to protect companies that act responsibly. Instead, it’s being used to shield companies like Meta who are actively profiting by hurting American seniors.”

This report comes just after FTC data showing that people have lost billions to social media scams. In recent weeks, the Consumer Federation of America filed a class action lawsuit alleging Meta misled Facebook users about platform safety while profiting from scam ads, and Santa Clara County separately sued Meta over allegations that the company tolerated and profited from fraudulent ads on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta Profits While Failing to Stop Repeat Offenders

CCDH’s analysis found that Meta earned an estimated $14.3 million from Medicare scam advertisers, with $12 million generated in the past year alone.

Despite clear violations of its policies:

Scam ads were often removed only after generating 72 million impressions and $3.7 million in revenue.
Identical or near-identical ads frequently remained active even after enforcement.
Nearly every scam advertiser studied had ads removed for violations, averaging 151 removals each. One advertiser had 1,335 ads removed.