Meta removes ads for fraud apps posing as porn after India sounds alarm

India has reported a surge in cyber-fraud losses reaching nearly $2.4 billion in 2025, as scam operators exploit digital payment growth. The government highlighted ads on Facebook and Instagram, purportedly from apps called Night Play and Kyss, that directed users to phishing websites. These applications allegedly masquerade as adult-themed pornographic downloads but are actually malicious software designed to steal banking credentials and drain accounts.

Despite Meta's removal of all such ads following the government's advisory, Reuters found at least 39 active advertisements still promoting these fraudulent apps, often using sexually explicit thumbnails to entice clicks. Meta's policy forbids ads containing deceptive practices, yet the company did not respond to Reuters' inquiries about the matter.

This is the second time in recent weeks that India has raised concerns over financial fraud on a major technology platform.