WhatsApp has introduced a new set of safety features aimed at helping users identify and avoid scams, as the platform continues to crack down on fraudulent activity. The update comes after WhatsApp took action against over 6.8 million accounts linked to scams.
New Protections in Group Chats
To prevent users from being added to suspicious group chats, WhatsApp now shows a safety overview screen when someone is added by a person not in their contacts. This screen highlights whether the group creator is known and whether any members are in the user’s contact list.
Until the user chooses to stay in the group, notifications will remain muted—minimizing the risk of immediate interaction with harmful content.
Improved Warnings in Private Messages
Scammers often begin on social media platforms and then move victims to private messaging apps like WhatsApp. To address this, WhatsApp is testing alerts that appear when users receive messages from unknown numbers. These alerts include safety tips and details about the sender to help users decide whether or not to respond.
Crackdown on AI-Powered Scams
WhatsApp also revealed that it worked with OpenAI to take down a scam operation in Cambodia. The scammers used ChatGPT to create convincing scam messages that redirected users to Telegram. Victims were drawn into fake “earning” tasks, such as liking TikTok videos or investing in cryptocurrency, and were tricked into sending money to crypto wallets.
Safety Tips for Users
To stay safe, WhatsApp advises users to:
- Pause before replying to unknown messages
- Be cautious of messages that involve money
- Verify identities through other channels
- Watch out for messages with urgency or pressure tactics
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Users
WhatsApp emphasized that user protection is a top priority. The platform continues to invest in AI-based detection, improved reporting tools, and partnerships to fight scams and spam.
The goal, according to WhatsApp, is to make the app safer and harder for bad actors to exploit—while helping users stay informed and alert.
