• Source:JND
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WhatsApp has also made a considerable effort against online fraud by eliminating more than 6.8 million scam accounts in a huge crackdown. Most of these accounts belonged to organised scam networks in Southeast Asia, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, said. These scams normally trap victims with fake job promotions, investment scams, and giveaways meant to steal people's and financial information.

The action comes in addition to new safety measures to assist users in identifying and evading scams more efficiently. Meta's recent update highlights the increased risk of fraud online and the company's initiative to make its platforms more secure for communication.

New Features to Detect and Avoid Scams

To curb the rising scam activity, WhatsApp is introducing several new safety tools:

  • Group Invitation Alerts – Users will receive a notification if they are invited to a WhatsApp group by an individual who is not in their contacts. The notification will include group information and provide safety suggestions, making it simpler to opt out of suspicious groups.
  • Warnings for Unknown Contacts – Meta is piloting features that will alert users before responding to unfamiliar numbers during one-on-one conversations.

 

These resources hope to provide users with greater agency over their interactions and allow them to catch red flags early.

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How Scammers Operate on WhatsApp

WhatsApp scams have grown more sophisticated. Some of the most prevalent scams include:

Scam Type

How It Works

Fake Job Offers

They present themselves as recruitment agents offering well-paying jobs, requesting training fees or bank information.

Investment Scams

They tempt users into scam investment programs offering quick returns.

Fake Giveaways

Phishing sites with stolen data are redirected to victims from links to fake promotions.

According to Meta, scammers tend to be present on various platforms, which include SMS, TikTok, Telegram, ChatGPT, and cryptocurrency channels, to avoid detection.

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Meta’s Advice to Stay Safe

Meta recommends a “Pause, Question, Verify” approach for users:

  • Pause – Check if the number or sender is familiar. Avoid rushing to respond.
  • Question – Does the offer sound too good to be true? Does it involve money or pressure to act fast?
  • Verify – Contact the sender through another trusted method before sharing any details.

 

This approach can help users think critically before engaging with unknown or suspicious messages.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp's delete of 6.8 million fraudulent accounts is a strong warning to cybercriminals: there is no room for fraud here. The added security features on the platform, coupled with attention by users, can go far in stopping scams. But technology can only do so much—users have to stay vigilant, check dubious requests, and keep in mind that real opportunities are not accompanied by time pressure or secrecy. Vigilance is the greatest prevention against online swindles.