Meta has announced the introduction of proactive anti-scam tools for WhatsApp and Messenger, focusing on protecting older adults from scams. These updates include warnings and advanced detection techniques aimed at preventing common fraudulent activities.
WhatsApp and Messenger Updates
WhatsApp will now display warnings if users attempt to screen share during a video call with an unknown contact. This feature is designed to prevent scammers from accessing sensitive information like bank details. Similarly, Messenger is introducing in-chat scam detection. When a potentially suspicious message is detected from a new contact, users will receive a warning and can choose to send recent messages for AI review.
Meta's AI system will provide guidance if a potential scam is detected, offering suggestions such as blocking or reporting the account. Users will also see reminders to avoid sending gift cards or wire transfers through chats.
Ongoing Efforts and Recommendations
In the first half of 2025, Meta reported disrupting approximately 8 million accounts linked to scam operations. Additionally, they have removed over 21,000 pages and accounts pretending to offer customer support. Scammers are known to add users to group chats to share contact numbers; to counter this, users should exit such groups and adjust their settings to prevent unauthorized additions.
Meta encourages users to utilize Passkeys and the Security Checkup and Privacy Checkup features to fortify their account settings. They have observed scammers impersonating Meta or Google, falsely offering account recovery services, highlighting the importance of having Meta review suspicious messages from unknown senders.
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