Is WhatsApp scam protection getting stronger? The popular messaging app has rolled out a fresh set of safety tools designed to help users spot and avoid scams. The announcement follows WhatsApp’s action against over 6.8 million accounts linked to fraudulent activities.
The new WhatsApp scam protection update covers both group chats and individual conversations. Its goal is to shield people from unsolicited messages and suspicious contacts.
For group chats, WhatsApp will now show a detailed safety screen whenever someone adds you to an unfamiliar group. This happens if the person adding you is not in your contact list. The safety screen will show whether they are a known contact and if other members of the group are saved in your phone. Until you choose to remain in the group, all notifications will stay muted. This lowers the risk of immediate interaction with harmful content.
In one-on-one chats, scammers often start contact on other platforms before pulling victims to private apps like WhatsApp. To counter this, WhatsApp is testing alerts for chats with people not saved in your contacts. These alerts will offer more details about the sender, along with safety tips, to make you think before replying.
A major case has also revealed how WhatsApp scam protection is extending to global cooperation. The platform teamed up with OpenAI to dismantle a Cambodia-based scam network. This group used ChatGPT to create fake messages that led victims to Telegram. There, they were tricked into bogus activities such as liking TikTok videos or joining cryptocurrency schemes. Victims were shown fake earning screenshots before being asked to transfer real money into crypto wallets.
WhatsApp says this example shows how advanced and multi-platform scams have become. To protect yourself, the company advises users to pause before replying to unknown messages, question offers involving money, confirm identities through other channels, and watch out for urgent demands — a common scam tactic.
According to the company, WhatsApp scam protection is part of an ongoing global effort. This includes AI-driven detection systems, advanced reporting tools, and strong partnerships to fight fraud and spam. With scammers getting more creative, WhatsApp’s mission is to make it harder for bad actors to misuse the app while keeping people safe and informed.
