WhatsApp introduces measures to combat scammers
WhatsApp Introduces New Anti-Scam Features to Protect Users
WhatsApp, a Meta-owned platform, has rolled out several new anti-scam features aimed at providing users with preview context and warnings before joining groups or starting one-on-one chats with unknown people. These features also include safety tips and account enforcement actions to remove scam accounts.
Safety Overview for Group Invites
When someone who isn’t in your contacts adds you to a group, WhatsApp will show a safety overview that highlights who added you, whether the adder is in your contacts, whether any group members are your contacts, and the group size. This allows you to decide whether to view or leave the group, and notifications from that group will stay muted until you choose to remain.
Alerts before Messaging Unknown People
WhatsApp is testing alerts and contextual prompts when someone outside your contacts initiates or is about to start a one-on-one chat with you. These alerts are designed to give you more context and prompt caution if the conversation looks like a pretext to move you off-platform or request money.
In-App Safety Tips and Prompts
The rollout includes guidance text and tips presented in these overviews to encourage users to pause, check if the request looks legitimate, and avoid sharing money or sensitive information with unknown people.
Enforcement and Account Removals
WhatsApp has taken down millions of accounts tied to scam operations (over 6.8 million), which reduces repeat nuisance/scam activity on the network and complements the user-facing warnings.
Why These Features Help Prevent Scams
These features add helpful context but aren’t foolproof—users still need to verify requests for money, avoid giving personal/financial info, and report suspicious contacts. Context reduces social-engineering success, friction and muted notifications slow scammers, pre-chat alerts discourage off-platform grooming, and platform enforcement reduces the scale of scam operations.
Limitations and Practical Advice
Because some features are rolling out or in testing, availability may vary by region and app version; keep WhatsApp updated to receive them. These scam centers pressure people into making payments, but the promised cash rewards never come. Users are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Meta's efforts to help users avoid online scams also extend to its other platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Messenger). These scam centers, often operating in Southeast Asia, are prolific sources of online scams and operate a range of campaigns, including cryptocurrency and pyramid schemes. It's crucial for users to verify any suspicious or unusual messages, especially from unknown numbers promising fast money. Meta is exploring ways to caution users when starting a chat with someone not in their contacts, by showing them additional context about who they're messaging.
In the context of WhatsApp's new anti-scam features, the platform is implementing technology-driven solutions such as safety overviews, alerts, and in-app tips to provide users with more context and caution before they engage with unknown individuals, strengthening the overall aspect of cybersecurity.
Concurrently, WhatsApp's technology is coupled with enforcement actions to remove scam accounts, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in cybersecurity to thwart scam operations.
