Social Media Platform Meta Made Millions from Fraudulent Medicare Ads on Facebook and Instagram; Scam Survivors Recognized on Capitol Hill

May 15, 2026

Social Media Platform Meta Made Millions from Fraudulent Medicare Ads on Facebook and Instagram; Scam Survivors Recognized on Capitol Hill

A new report found that Meta, the corporation that owns Facebook and Instagram, has failed to stop scammers from repeatedly buying ads that target seniors.

The report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that scam ads aimed at older adults are particularly common on Facebook. According to the report, ads from 30 of the most active scam accounts generated an estimated 215 million views over the past year, with nearly three-quarters of those views coming from users aged 65 and older.

The ads are designed to get users to click a link or call a phone number. One ad cited in the report promised $3,600 for groceries, rent, and gas through Medicare and urged viewers to “Claim it
now.” But instead of receiving benefits, users often have their personal information collected or are directed into inferior Medicare plans, according to the report.

The report found that Meta made at least $14.3 million last year from ads mentioning Medicare targeting seniors.

Also this week, Rep. George Whitesides (CA) held a briefing and press conference to mark National Scam Survivor Day. Ashton Bingham & Art Kulik, hosts of the Fox Nation show “Scammed: Getting Even” and anti-scam YouTuber Kitboga, spoke in support of legislation protecting consumers and holding scammers accountable. Several members of Congress including Reps. Gabe Amo (RI), Erin Houchin (IN), Jefferson Shreve (IN), and Derek Tran (CA), spoke about their efforts to pass these laws, and survivors shared their stories.

“Online scams targeting seniors are growing at an alarming rate and behind every statistic is a real person who has suffered financial and emotional harm,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “We thank Congressman Whitesides, the Stop Scams Caucus, and survivors for speaking up and fighting for legislation that will hold scammers and the platforms that enable them accountable.”