Meta adds anti-scam tools to WhatsApp and Messenger

As part of its ongoing global anti-scam awareness campaign, Meta has announced new features for WhatsApp and Messenger designed to help users identify and avoid potential scams.

Screen-sharing warnings on WhatsApp

WhatsApp will display on-screen alerts when you attempt to share your screen during a video call with an unknown contact. The alert will also remind you that sensitive data such as OTPs and banking details are visible to others.

Advanced scam detection on Messenger

Messenger is testing more advanced scam detection in chats that flag suspicious messages. When a potential scam is detected, you will see a warning and have the option to have the chat reviewed by AI to identify scams

If potential scam activity is detected, it will provide information about common scams and recommend actions such as blocking or reporting the account.

Strengthen account security

Meta recommends users to enable Passkeys, a secure login method developed by the FIDO Alliance that uses the same fingerprint, face, or PIN already set up on your device for authentication.

Facebook and Instagram users can review their security settings through Security Checkup, while WhatsApp users can do the same via Privacy Checkup.

Proactive actions against scammers

Meta shared that it has disrupted about 8 million accounts linked with scam operations across Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines in the first half of this year. It also removed over 21,000 Pages and accounts impersonating customer support channels.

Source: Meta