Meta files a lawsuit against two Nigeria-based individuals

Meta has filed a lawsuit against two Nigeria-based individuals along with American digital banking company Chime. The lawsuit is filed against two individuals for financially duping the Facebook and Instagram users. The company claims that more than 800 Instagram and five Facebook accounts were used for phishing attacks with a network of computers.

In the lawsuit, Meta said that the defendants made China impersonate their Instagram accounts and used them for the promotion of fake online services. These accounts directed users to Chime-branded phishing websites, where they were asked to enter their account details, which were later used for stealing their funds. 

Chime is a banking application where users can open fee-free checking and saving accounts with direct deposits and a debit card. The duo has been active ever since March 2020 and has continued its operations until October 2021. 

Meta and Chime, both companies have taken several actions to stop them. Meta even disabled their Facebook and Instagram accounts, blocked all the Chime-impersonating domains on platforms and also sent cease and desist letters. Chime also disabled unauthorised access to Chime member accounts. 

Even after all these two individuals still carried out their phishing attacks. Both the companies are now seeking multiple actions against the defendants for violating policies. This is the first time when Meta has filed a joint complaint with a financial services company.