WhatsApp, on Tuesday, introduced new in-app safety tools designed to protect users globally.
According to Kojo Boakye, Vice President of WhatsApp Public Policy, Africa, Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, the new safety tools aim to combat sophisticated messaging scams, banning over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam centers in the first half of this year.
“The fight against scams is a relentless one, and we are continually evolving our defenses to stay ahead of bad actors,” said Boakye.
How Scammers Operate
Boakye emphasised the company’s commitment to protecting users by banning malicious accounts, empowering individuals with tools and knowledge to recognize threats, and providing user education.
Criminal scam centers often run multiple campaigns simultaneously, including fake cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes. These scams typically demand upfront payments for promised returns and span multiple platforms, starting on dating apps or text messages before transitioning to social media, private messaging apps like WhatsApp, and ultimately to payment or crypto platforms.
In a recent example of cross-industry collaboration, WhatsApp, Meta, and OpenAI dismantled a scam network in Cambodia that used ChatGPT to draft initial messages and lure victims to WhatsApp. Targets were then moved to Telegram, where they were given tasks like liking TikTok videos before being pressured into depositing money into crypto accounts.
New WhatsApp Safety Features
To strengthen user protection, WhatsApp is rolling out new safety features:
– When users are added to unfamiliar groups by someone not in their contacts, a safety overview will appear with group details and tips, allowing them to exit without opening the chat. Notifications from such groups will remain muted until the user decides to engage.
– WhatsApp is testing new alerts for messages from unknown contacts, providing context about the sender to help users make informed decisions.
Tips to Avoid Scams
WhatsApp encourages users to adopt a “Pause, Question, Verify” approach when encountering suspicious messages:
– Pause: Take time before responding and think about whether the message is legitimate.
– Question: Does the request make sense? Are they asking for money, gift cards, or PIN codes? Are they rushing you into taking action?
– Verify: If the sender claims to be a friend or family member, verify their identity directly through another communication method before taking any action.
By continually enhancing its security measures and collaborating with industry partners, WhatsApp aims to create a safer digital environment for its global community.
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