WhatsApp has introduced a new set of features aimed at helping people identify and avoid scams on its messaging platform. The announcement comes as the company revealed it has recently taken action against more than 6.8 million scam-linked accounts.
WhatsApp’s latest safety rollout focuses on both group chats and individual messages, offering better protection from unsolicited or suspicious activity.
For group chats, a new safety overview screen will appear when users are added to unfamiliar groups by people not in their contact list. The feature will provide context such as whether the person who added you is a known contact and if any other members of the group are in your contacts.
Until users choose to stay in the group, notifications will remain muted, reducing the chance of immediate interaction with potentially harmful content.
Tackling scam tactics in one-on-one messages
Scammers are increasingly initiating contact on other platforms before luring victims to private messaging apps like WhatsApp. To counter this, WhatsApp is testing alerts that provide more information when a user begins a chat with someone not saved in their contacts.
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These alerts are designed to make users think twice before responding and will include context about the sender and safety tips to assess legitimacy.
OpenAI joins hands with whatsapp in crackdown
In a striking example of cross-platform scam tactics, WhatsApp also disclosed a collaboration with OpenAI to dismantle a Cambodia-based scam center that used ChatGPT to create initial scam messages.
Scammers were found generating messages that redirected victims to Telegram, where they were drawn into fake tasks like liking TikTok videos or joining a cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Victims were misled with fake earnings screenshots before being asked to deposit real money into crypto wallets. WhatsApp highlighted the case to show how sophisticated and multi-platform such operations have become.
WhatsApp’s safety advice to users
To protect against similar threats, WhatsApp recommends users:
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Pause before responding to unfamiliar messages.
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Question the intent behind offers, especially if they involve money.
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Verify identities of those claiming to be friends or family via alternate channels.
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Watch for urgency—a common tactic scammers use to pressure victims.
A global safety effort
The platform emphasized that user safety remains a top priority, with continuous investments in AI-powered detection systems, reporting tools, and partnerships to fight fraud and spam.
With scammers getting more creative, WhatsApp says its goal is to “make it harder for bad actors to misuse the platform while keeping users informed and empowered.”
