In an unprecedented move to safeguard its billions of users, WhatsApp has launched a suite of powerful new security features throughout 2025, signaling a major escalation in the fight against online scammers. With a staggering 6.8 million accounts linked to fraudulent activities banned in the first half of the year alone, the message from the Meta-owned platform is clear: your security is the top priority. This post delves into WhatsApp’s latest defensive measures, explains the most pervasive scams, and provides you with the essential knowledge to keep your account secure.
The “Hi Mum” and Other Devious Scams: Know Your Enemy
One of the most emotionally manipulative scams to gain notoriety is the “Hi Mum” or “Hi Dad” scam. In this deceitful scheme, scammers, using an unfamiliar number, will message a parent pretending to be their child in distress. They’ll often claim their phone is lost or damaged and that they urgently need money transferred to a different account to pay a bill or handle an emergency.
Another prevalent threat involves tricking users into sharing their six-digit verification code. A scammer might contact you, perhaps posing as a friend or even WhatsApp support, claiming they’ve accidentally sent their verification code to your number and ask you to forward it. This code is the key to hijacking your account, giving them access to your contacts and the ability to impersonate you.
Similarly, OTP (One-Time Password) scams are on the rise, where fraudsters invent scenarios, such as a failed delivery, to coax you into sharing a password that gives them access to your other online accounts.
WhatsApp’s Counter-Offensive: New Features to Protect You
Responding to the surge in these malicious activities, WhatsApp has rolled out innovative features designed to put a shield between you and the scammers:
- Safety Overview for Group Invites: Have you ever been randomly added to a group chat by an unknown number? Now, before you even join, WhatsApp will present a ‘Safety Overview’. This screen will provide crucial details about the group and offer guidance on how to stay safe, allowing you to exit before exposing yourself to potential scams.
- Alerts for Unknown Contacts: To combat scams that start on other platforms and then move to WhatsApp, the app is testing new alerts. These will appear when you are about to start a conversation with someone not in your contacts, giving you an extra layer of warning and a chance to verify their identity.
- Proactive Account Bans: Leveraging sophisticated machine learning, WhatsApp is now identifying and banning millions of accounts associated with scam centers, often before they can even initiate their fraudulent campaigns.
Your Ultimate Defense: Pause, Question, Verify
While WhatsApp’s new tools provide a significant boost to your security, the most powerful defense is your own vigilance. Cybersecurity experts recommend a simple yet effective three-step approach when you receive a suspicious message:
- Pause: Don’t rush to respond, especially if the message creates a sense of urgency. Scammers thrive on pressuring you into making hasty decisions.
- Question: Does the request seem logical? Is it normal for your friend or family member to ask for money in this way? Are there spelling or grammar mistakes in the message?
- Verify: If a message claims to be from someone you know, contact them directly using a different method, such as a phone call to their original number, to confirm their story.
How to Block and Report Scammers on WhatsApp
If you encounter a suspicious message, it’s vital to block and report the user. This not only protects you from further contact but also helps WhatsApp identify and take action against the scammer.
To do this, open the chat with the suspicious contact, tap on their name or number at the top of the screen, and scroll down to select ‘Block’. You will also be given the option to ‘Report’ the contact to WhatsApp.
By staying informed about the latest scams and utilizing WhatsApp’s new security features, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online fraud. Share this information with your friends and family to help create a safer community for everyone.