WhatsApp Cracks Down on Criminal Scammers, Launches New Safety Features

WhatsApp has announced major progress in its ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated messaging scams, including the removal of millions of accounts linked to criminal scam networks and the introduction of new in-app safety tools aimed at protecting users worldwide. These developments highlight WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to user safety amid an evolving landscape of online fraud.

In the first half of 2025 alone, WhatsApp proactively identified and banned over 6.8 million accounts connected to criminal scam operations. These measures were implemented before scammers could launch full-scale fraudulent campaigns, helping to protect users from potential harm.

"The fight against scams is a relentless one, and we are continually evolving our defences to stay ahead of bad actors," said Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta. "This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats. We believe that a safer messaging environment is built through a combination of robust technology, proactive detection, and user education."

Criminal scam centres often run multiple campaigns at once, including deceptive cryptocurrency investments and elaborate pyramid schemes. A common warning sign is a request for upfront payments in exchange for promised returns. These scams typically span several platforms, originating on dating apps or via text messages, moving to social media and private messaging apps like WhatsApp, and finally directing users to payment or cryptocurrency platforms. This multi-platform strategy is designed to avoid detection by any single service, making coordinated action essential.

In a recent example of industry-wide collaboration, WhatsApp, Meta, and OpenAI jointly disrupted a scam operation connected to a criminal network in Cambodia. This network used ChatGPT to craft initial outreach messages that led targets to WhatsApp, then quickly moved the conversation to Telegram, where victims were assigned tasks such as liking TikTok videos before being coerced into depositing money into crypto wallets.

WhatsApp is now introducing new safety features aimed at preventing common scam tactics:

• Group Messaging: When a user is added to a group by someone who is not in their contacts, a safety overview will now be displayed. This includes essential group details and safety tips, giving users the option to leave the group without opening the chat. Notifications from such groups will remain muted unless the user chooses to engage.

• Individual Messaging: WhatsApp is trialling new warnings to alert users when they receive messages from unknown contacts. These alerts offer additional context about the sender, helping users make safer choices when engaging with unfamiliar numbers.

To help users stay safe, WhatsApp encourages a “Pause, Question, Verify” approach when dealing with unusual or suspicious messages:

PAUSE: Take a moment before replying. Ask yourself if you recognise the number or if the message sounds legitimate.

QUESTION: Does the request make sense? Is it too good to be true? Are they asking for money, gift cards or PIN codes? Are they pressuring you to act quickly? These are all red flags.

VERIFY: If someone claims to be a friend or family member, confirm their identity using a known method, such as calling their usual number, before taking any action.

WhatsApp remains committed to strengthening its security tools and working with industry partners to build a safer online environment for users across the globe.

For more information about WhatsApp’s safety features and advice, visit: faq.whatsapp.com.