WhatsApp is rolling out new safety features to help users avoid scams, especially in group and personal chats. This move is part of WhatsApp’s efforts to make the app safer and stop scam networks from targeting people.
The company said it has already banned over 6.8 million accounts that were linked to scam centers operating around the world.
New Features to Spot Scams
For Group Chats:
- If someone adds you to a group and they are not in your contacts, WhatsApp will now show a safety preview.
- This preview gives you details about the group and safety tips.
- You can leave the group immediately without even opening the chat.
- Notifications from such unknown groups will be muted by default, unless you choose to stay.
For Personal Chats:
- WhatsApp is testing a new warning system when you get a message from someone not in your contacts.
- The warning will give more info about the sender to help you decide if you want to talk to them.
- This helps prevent scams where fraudsters message people through other platforms and then continue the conversation on WhatsApp.
Cracking Down on Scam Accounts
WhatsApp also shared that it banned 6.8 million accounts in just the first half of this year. Many of these accounts were connected to scam centers—often run by organized crime groups and forced labor—especially in Southeast Asia.
The company acted fast and removed many of these accounts before they could start scamming people.
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