WhatsApp has introduced a range of new safety features aimed at helping users better identify and avoid scams, both in group and private chats. This effort comes as part of a broader crackdown on fraudulent activities, with the company announcing that over 6.8 million accounts were banned in the first half of 2025. Many of these accounts were tied to scam operations, often based in regions known for high-volume fraud targeting unsuspecting users worldwide. According to the platform, these new tools are designed to offer users additional context when theyre added to unfamiliar groups or contacted by strangers, helping them assess potential risks before engaging.
A key update is the introduction of a Safety Overview screen that appears when users are added to new group chats. This screen displays whether the person who added them is in their contacts, whether other group members are familiar, and it provides safety tips for navigating such scenarios. These notifications are muted by default unless the user chooses to remain in the group, which helps limit the psychological pressure often associated with unsolicited group invites. Scammers have increasingly relied on surprise group additions to spread fraudulent messages, and WhatsApp hopes this measure will act as a deterrent.
In private chats, WhatsApp is experimenting with alerts that notify users when they receive messages from numbers not in their contact listespecially if the communication started on another platform. This alert system is intended to prompt users to pause and evaluate the situation, providing them with a critical window to recognize and avoid manipulation. Such warnings become particularly important as scammers now often initiate contact through social media before transitioning to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp.
In one of the more significant developments, WhatsApp disclosed that it had worked with OpenAI to dismantle a large-scale scam ring operating out of Cambodia. This network employed AI-generated messages to trick users into thinking they were engaging in legitimate conversations. Victims were eventually directed to other platforms like Telegram, where the frauds continued. These scams frequently involved fake investment opportunitiessuch as rental scooter schemes or cryptocurrency trapssupported by fabricated screenshots and fake success stories. The tactics used pressure, urgency, and manipulation to convince victims to send money.
The company emphasized that users should always verify information through other channels, be wary of high-pressure language, and take time to assess suspicious requests. These new features are being rolled out in stages, and WhatsApp says they will continue to evolve as user feedback and scam tactics change. The ultimate goal is to make the platform a safer environment while staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters.
