6 ways to protect yourself from scams on WhatsApp

Online scams are evolving rapidly, with fraudsters posing as officials, businesses, or even trusted contacts to trick people into sharing sensitive information. From fake one‑time passwords to urgent payment requests, these scams are designed to look convincing and exploit panic. As digital fraud becomes more sophisticated, WhatsApp is stepping up its safety measures. The platform has announced five new anti‑scam tools that provide multiple layers of protection, helping users strengthen account security, spot suspicious activity, and control who can reach them. Together, these features aim to empower millions of users to stay one step ahead of scammers in today’s fast‑changing digital landscape.

Silence unknown callers

The Silence Unknown Callers feature automatically screens out spam and scam calls from numbers not saved in a user’s contacts. Silenced calls still appear in the Calls tab and notifications, but users are shielded from direct interruptions.

Context cards

Context Cards provide extra information in chats and groups, such as whether a number is saved, if groups are shared, if the account is newly created, or if it’s registered abroad. These cues help users make informed decisions about replying, blocking, or reporting.

Screenshare warning

Scammers often pressure victims to share screens during video calls to steal sensitive data. WhatsApp now issues Screenshare Warnings when users attempt to share screens with unknown contacts, alerting them to potential risks.

Device linking alerts

Fraudsters may trick people into linking their WhatsApp account to another device. The new Device Linking Warning flags suspicious requests, shows their origin, and warns users before they proceed.

Two‑step verification

Finally, Two‑Step Verification adds a six‑digit PIN requirement when resetting or verifying accounts, protecting against unauthorized access and account takeovers.

Building trust in messaging

By combining proactive alerts with user‑controlled features, WhatsApp is reinforcing its role as a trusted communication platform. These tools reflect the company’s commitment to safety, ensuring that as scams grow more complex, users remain protected and in control.