WhatsApp safety features aim to protect users from scam messages and unfamiliar group adds, following the ban of 6.8 million accounts

WhatsApp safety features are being upgraded in a major effort by Meta to crack down on online scams and malicious accounts.

Also read: WhatsApp scam accounts shut down as Meta fights fraud

The messaging giant has announced that over 6.8 million scam-linked accounts were banned globally in the first half of 2025 as part of its proactive push to protect users.

According to WhatsApp, the newly launched tools are designed to give users more control and context — especially when being added to group chats or engaging in conversations with unfamiliar contacts.

Contextual Prompts for Group Chats

One of the standout features is a group safety overview. When a user is added to a group by someone not in their contacts, WhatsApp will display a prompt showing:

Whether the inviter is in the user’s contact list
If other members are familiar
Safety tips to guide user actions

Notifications from these unfamiliar groups will remain muted until the user chooses to interact — a strong move to curb malicious group adds and fraudulent link-sharing.

Enhanced Protection in Individual Chats

In response to rising scams that start on social media and move to messaging platforms, WhatsApp is testing contextual cues when users receive messages from unknown numbers.

This gives users time to assess legitimacy before engaging.

Kojo Boakye, Meta’s VP of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, emphasized the company’s commitment:

“The fight against scams is relentless. We’re not just banning accounts; we’re empowering users to recognize and avoid sophisticated threats.”

Combatting AI-Driven Scams

WhatsApp also acknowledged that fraudsters have started using AI tools like ChatGPT to craft convincing scam messages.

These messages often start with fake job offers or investment opportunities, gradually leading unsuspecting users to move from WhatsApp to platforms like Telegram, where financial fraud is finalized.

Some common scam tactics include:

Fake “rent-a-scooter” investment schemes
Cryptocurrency ruses
Fabricated earnings from task-based platforms

User Empowerment at the Core

WhatsApp encourages users to:

Review messages carefully before replying
Question urgent requests
Verify identities through other communication channels

The platform said these contextual prompts are designed to highlight red flags and **reinforce safe communication habits.

Gradual Rollout Underway

The safety tools are being rolled out gradually across regions, with WhatsApp stating that user feedback and evolving scam tactics will shape further updates.

Also read: WhatsApp to introduce in-app advertisements in updates tab by Meta

As WhatsApp safety features evolve, users are urged to remain alert and informed. For further assistance or to report suspicious accounts, users can use the in-app reporting system.

Source: Read more at tvcnews.tv