WhatsApp Introduces Enhanced Security Feature to Safeguard Users from Scams

WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature aimed at helping users identify potential scams when they are added to group chats by individuals not in their contact list. This feature presents a “safety overview” context card that provides essential information about the group, including its creation date, member count, and any potential scam attempts. Users will receive guidance on how to manage who can add them to groups. The company emphasises that users can exit the group without viewing the chat, and notifications will be muted until they decide to stay. Additionally, WhatsApp will alert users when they are contacted by someone outside their contacts, encouraging them to pause and verify any suspicious messages, particularly those promising quick financial gains.

In the first half of the year, WhatsApp reported disabling over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam operations targeting its users. Earlier, the company collaborated with OpenAI to dismantle a criminal scam centre in Cambodia, which was involved in various scams, including cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes. In one instance, scammers used ChatGPT to craft a deceptive message that redirected victims to a Telegram chat for fraudulent activities. WhatsApp noted that these scam centres often run multiple campaigns simultaneously, starting from text messages or dating apps and progressing to social media and payment platforms. In April, WhatsApp also introduced an Advanced Chat Privacy feature to safeguard sensitive information exchanged in private chats and group conversations. 

Categories: Security Features, Scam Prevention, User Protection 

Tags: WhatsApp, Security Feature, Group Chat, Scam Attempts, Safety Overview, Notifications, Scammers, Cryptocurrency, Privacy Feature, Malware