Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is facing renewed scrutiny after a new report alleged Facebook allowed scam advertisers targeting seniors with fake Medicare-related offers to repeatedly run ads across its platforms.
The report, released Tuesday by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, found that 30 major scam advertiser accounts generated an estimated 215 million ad impressions over the past year. Roughly 73% of those impressions reportedly came from users over the age of 65.
Researchers said many of the ads used fake celebrity endorsements and AI-generated videos featuring figures including President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey and Brad Pitt to convince seniors to click links or call phone numbers. Some ads falsely promised grocery cards, rent assistance or thousands of dollars in free government benefits through Medicare.
The report alleged Meta repeatedly allowed nearly identical scam ads to reappear even after some versions were removed for violating company policies.
Meta Responds To Scam Ad Allegations
Meta said scammers continue using increasingly sophisticated tactics to avoid detection across internet platforms. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the company removed more than 159 million scam ads last year, with 92% taken down before users reported them, and added that Meta continues working with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to disrupt scam networks, according to NBC News.
The company did not immediately respond to Benzinga‘s request for comment.
Researchers, however, argued that Meta’s enforcement actions remain inconsistent. The report cited one case where 86 ads used identical content, but Meta removed only 48 versions while allowing 38 similar ads to continue running. Another advertiser reportedly accumulated 1,335 policy violations before becoming inactive.
The Center for Countering Digital Hate estimated Meta generated roughly $14.3 million in revenue from Medicare-related scam advertisers, including approximately $12.4 million over the past year alone.
Broader Pressure Around Scam Ads
The latest findings add to growing regulatory and political pressure surrounding scam advertising on Meta’s platforms.
In November 2025, Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called for federal investigations into Meta over allegations the company profited from fraudulent advertisements, reporting that Meta could generate as much as $16 billion annually from scam and banned goods advertisements.
In December, a report alleged Meta had internally identified widespread scam activity tied to Chinese advertisers but failed to implement stronger anti-fraud controls despite internal concerns.
The Medicare scam report also arrives amid broader federal scrutiny around healthcare-related fraud. Last month, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz announced a nationwide Medicaid fraud crackdown, warning states they could face intensified federal audits if oversight efforts fail.
Legal Risks Continue To Build
Meta also continues facing multiple lawsuits tied to scam advertisements and platform safety practices.
According to NBC News, the Consumer Federation of America recently filed a class action complaint alleging Meta downplays the scale of scams on its platforms while overstating enforcement efforts. California’s Santa Clara County also reportedly filed a similar lawsuit this week.
The report further highlighted concerns around elderly users being specifically targeted through Meta’s advertising tools. Researchers said Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were among the most targeted states for Medicare-related scam campaigns.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock
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