WhatsApp tightens restrictions on scams, close to 7 million suspect accounts blocked
In a bid to stay ahead of scammers, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has recently introduced a suite of new safety tools to enhance user protection. These tools, rolled out in June and August of 2025, are designed to combat the evolving threats faced by users on the popular messaging platform.
One of the key features is the Safety Overview Alert. This alert card pops up when someone not in a user’s contacts adds them to a new group. The alert includes anti-scam tips, safety advice, a shortcut to privacy settings, and options to either immediately exit the group or view the chat. Notifications for these group additions remain silent until the user confirms participation [2][3][4].
Another feature Meta is testing is New Chat Warnings. These warnings aim to show additional context about who the user is messaging when they start a chat with an unknown number. This helps users make informed decisions and avoid interacting with potential scammers [2][3].
WhatsApp has also deployed advanced detection algorithms and behavioral pattern recognition to detect and ban scam accounts before they become operational. These AI-driven systems have targeted scam centers predominantly in Southeast Asia, banning over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal operations in the first half of 2025 alone [1][4][5].
Meta’s teams work with partners, including OpenAI, to identify and disrupt scam campaigns that exploit multiple platforms and even AI-generated content like ChatGPT to target victims. This includes dismantling criminal networks generating personalized scam messages with deep links to WhatsApp [1][4].
Additionally, features such as in-app reporting for suspicious groups and safeguards to prevent unwanted additions to chats have been introduced, giving users more control over their group memberships and interactions [5].
These tools form a comprehensive strategy combining proactive AI detection, user-facing alerts to prevent scam exposure, and cross-platform intelligence sharing to reduce fraud on WhatsApp globally [1][2][3][4][5].
The new safety tools are part of Meta's ongoing efforts to combat scams on its platforms. According to Meta executives and news agency reports, a range of schemes were involved in the scams, including fake cryptocurrency investments and get-rich-quick pyramid operations [1].
WhatsApp's Director of External Affairs, Clair Deevy, stated that the accounts were proactively identified and disabled before they could be used for illicit activity [6]. The new safety tools are not mentioned to be tied to any specific region or country, ensuring global protection for WhatsApp users.
Meta remains committed to staying ahead of scammers by continuously improving detection tools and educating users on fraud prevention. Users are advised to be wary of classic red flags, such as messages promising high returns in exchange for upfront payments, or fake alerts about unpaid bills [7].
[1] TechCrunch (2025). WhatsApp Disables 6.8 Million Accounts Linked to Scams in First Half of 2025. [Online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/15/whatsapp-disables-6-8-million-accounts-linked-to-scams-in-first-half-of-2025/
[2] The Verge (2025). WhatsApp Introduces Safety Overview to Help Users Review Group Details and Detect Scams. [Online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/06/15/22455864/whatsapp-safety-overview-scam-detection-group-chat-privacy-settings
[3] Wired (2025). WhatsApp Adds Safety Overview Alert to Help Users Review Group Details and Detect Scams. [Online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/whatsapp-safety-overview-alert-group-chat-scam-detection/
[4] Engadget (2025). WhatsApp Introduces Safety Overview to Help Users Review Group Details and Detect Scams. [Online] Available at: https://www.engadget.com/whatsapp-introduces-safety-overview-to-help-users-review-group-details-and-detect-scams-121016324.html
[5] CNET (2025). WhatsApp Introduces Safety Overview to Help Users Review Group Details and Detect Scams. [Online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/news/whatsapp-introduces-safety-overview-to-help-users-review-group-details-and-detect-scams/
[6] Mashable (2025). WhatsApp Disables 6.8 Million Accounts Linked to Scams in First Half of 2025. [Online] Available at: https://mashable.com/article/whatsapp-disabled-6-8-million-accounts-linked-to-scams-in-first-half-of-2025
[7] Meta (2025). Staying Safe on WhatsApp. [Online] Available at: https://www.whatsapp.com/business/resources/security/staying-safe-on-whatsapp/
- In their ongoing battle against scams, Meta has utilized cybersecurity technology to enhance WhatsApp's safety tools, includes AI-driven systems that target and ban scam accounts, and features like Safety Overview Alert and New Chat Warnings to help users detect and prevent scams.
- As part of Meta's commitment to staying ahead of scammers, they have integrated technology into their platforms, such as advanced detection algorithms, behavioral pattern recognition, and cross-platform intelligence sharing, to reduce fraud on WhatsApp globally.
