Meta Introduces New Scam Alerts for WhatsApp and Messenger
Meta is rolling out new security warnings across WhatsApp and Messenger to help users identify and avoid potential scams. The company has disrupted nearly 8 million criminal scams across Facebook and Instagram in regions including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Key Security Updates
- New screen-sharing warnings on WhatsApp video calls
- AI-powered scam detection in Messenger chats
- Action against 21,000 fake customer support accounts
- Global education campaigns including partnerships with Indian comedy creators
WhatsApp Screen Sharing Alerts
When users attempt to share their screen during video calls with unknown contacts, WhatsApp will now display a clear warning notification. The alert advises sharing screens only with trusted individuals and cautions about potential exposure of sensitive banking information.
Messenger AI Scam Detection
Meta is testing an advanced scam detection system for Messenger that will flag suspicious messages in real-time. Users will have the option to submit recent chats for AI review. “If a potential scam is detected, you will get more information on common scams, and we will suggest actions including blocking or reporting the suspicious account,” Meta stated.
The company hasn’t provided a specific timeline for the Messenger feature’s full rollout.
Global Security Education
Beyond technical measures, Meta is running extensive awareness campaigns worldwide. In India, the company collaborated with comedy creators to promote safety features like Two-Factor Authentication and reporting tools in public spaces.
In related developments, Meta recently updated its WhatsApp Business API policy to explicitly ban third-party chatbots, forcing services like Perplexity and ChatGPT to discontinue WhatsApp integration while establishing Meta AI as the platform’s exclusive assistant.
