WhatsApp is Testing a New Warning for Scam Messages
WhatsApp’s New Scam Alert Feature 🚨
Meta has announced that it’s rolling out a new feature for WhatsApp users aimed at combating scammers. The Scam Alert is an optional beta feature that utilizes an on-device machine-learning model to flag likely scam messages from individuals who are not in a user’s contacts.
As scammers increasingly exploit WhatsApp for impersonation, fake jobs, fraudulent sales, investment scams, romance baiting, malicious links, and payment requests, this feature arrives as a timely defense. These scams often begin on other platforms before moving victims into private chats, where criminals can exert pressure and build trust.
How It Works 🛡️
Once enabled, Scam Alert downloads a machine-learning model to the device that examines incoming messages from non-contacts for patterns associated with scams. WhatsApp states that the model uses linguistic signals and conversational structures learned from previously reported scam conversations.
While this feature adds a meaningful layer of defense, it will not block any messages. Instead, it alerts users to pause and think carefully before engaging with the sender. However, there is a limitation: some of the most effective scams come from compromised contacts, such as the recent “vote for my friend” account-takeover campaign. In these cases, an unknown-sender warning may not appear.
If the model identifies a potential scam, WhatsApp displays a warning banner in the chat. The sender will not see this warning, ensuring that scammers remain unaware that their approach has been detected. Users can then choose to:
- Block the sender to prevent further messages
- Report the chat to WhatsApp
- Continue the conversation if they believe it is legitimate
- Mark the chat as trusted, which removes the warning and prevents Scam Alert from flagging that conversation again.
A Promising Step Forward 🌟
WhatsApp’s Scam Alert is a promising example of using on-device AI to add friction to scams without requiring a provider to read private conversations. Its optional nature, local classification, transparency commitments, and lack of automatic reporting are notable design choices for an encrypted messaging service. Currently, the feature is in a limited beta rollout and is being tested with researchers in Meta’s bug bounty community before a wider release.
Protect Your Account 🔒
To safeguard your WhatsApp account from takeover, enable two-step verification. Additionally, avoid clicking unexpected links, especially if the message requests you to verify, connect, or link your WhatsApp account. Regularly review your linked devices in WhatsApp (Settings > Linked devices) and log out of any that you do not recognize. Be cautious when a Facebook or Instagram exchange attempts to migrate to WhatsApp, as this is a classic scammer tactic.
For more tips on staying safe, remember:
- Pay with a card or service that offers chargeback protection.
- Never pay by bank transfer, cryptocurrency, gift card, or Friends and Family payment methods when dealing with unknown individuals.