WhatsApp is introducing a new security tool that will help you identify potential scams when someone who’s not in your contact list adds you to a group.
How does it work? It’s very simple: when this happens, the app will display an informational card called a “Security Overview.” This card will give you key details such as:
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When the group was created
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How many people are in it
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Whether the group might be linked to suspicious activity
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And how you can control who can add you to groups in the future
“It will include key information about the group and tips to stay safe. From there, you can leave the group without having to view the chat.”
In other words, you’ll have everything you need to make a quick and safe decision—without entering the group or exposing yourself to potentially malicious messages. It’s a more direct, convenient, and secure way to protect yourself from common scams spreading through unknown groups.
New Alerts and Controls to Protect You from Suspicious Messages and Groups
If, after viewing the security card, you think you might recognize the group, you also have the option to enter the chat to get more context before making a decision. Either way, notifications will be muted by default, so you won’t be bothered by unwanted messages while you decide whether to stay or leave.
Additionally, to protect you from strangers trying to contact you directly, WhatsApp will now notify you when someone who isn’t saved in your contacts sends you a message. Along with the notification, you’ll also see a bit of context about who that person is, so you can make an informed decision.
WhatsApp shares a key piece of advice:
“Take a moment to think, question what you're being told, and verify before responding to strange or suspicious messages—especially if they come from an unknown number promising easy money.”
New fraudulent group alert (Source: WhatsApp)
Read more: WhatsApp with Ads: How could it affect your privacy?
WhatsApp Strengthens Its Fight Against Scams With Millions of Accounts Blocked
In its efforts to curb the rise of online scams, WhatsApp revealed that it deactivated over 6.8 million accounts in just the first half of the year, many of them linked to organized fraud networks targeting its users directly.
But that’s not all. Earlier this year, the company also partnered with OpenAI to dismantle a large-scale scam operation in Cambodia. This criminal group was behind various types of digital fraud, ranging from cryptocurrency investment scams to more sophisticated schemes like paying victims to give fake likes or even involving them in pyramid schemes related to scooter rentals.
In one of the cases uncovered, scammers used ChatGPT to generate text messages that appeared legitimate. These messages contained links that led to a WhatsApp chat, from where victims were redirected to Telegram. There, they were offered tasks like liking videos on TikTok—all under the guise of an easy work-from-home job.
“These scam centers often run multiple campaigns at once, from promises of crypto earnings to pyramid networks in disguise,” WhatsApp explained.
They also warned that such scams often start with something seemingly harmless, like a text message or a conversation on a dating app. The deception then evolves, spreading through social networks, private messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, and eventually reaching payment or cryptocurrency platforms—where the ultimate goal is to extract money from the victims.
As part of its protection strategy, WhatsApp also launched a new advanced privacy feature for chats in April. This enhancement is designed to safeguard the sensitive information you share in both private conversations and group chats, further strengthening the platform’s overall security.