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AG Jackley asks Meta to protect social media users from scams

Instagram and Facebook logos
Courtesy
/
Krystal Miga
Instagram and Facebook logos

Attorney General Marty Jackley and 40 other state sttorneys general are asking Meta to take action.

They want the social media company to protect consumers whose Facebook and Instagram accounts have been compromised.

In a letter to Meta, the group wrote that “threat actors” have hacked into private user accounts and changed the passwords so the rightful owner cannot access the account.

They say once the “threat actors” have control, they can steal personal information, read private messages, scam other contacts, and post public messages.

“This is another example of scammers harming consumers online,” said Jackley. “Consumers are having their personal and financial information stolen as well as their reputations tarnished through fake public posts made on their accounts.”

The attorneys general have asked to meet with Meta to discuss the problem and how it plans to address it.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division suggests ways to keep social media accounts safe — including changing passwords frequently and choosing passwords strong. The agency also recommends using dual verification and to never provide personal or financial information to anyone on social media.

Krystal is the local host of "All Things Considered."