Web Desk: Meta has introduced new tools on WhatsApp and Messenger to protect users from online scams. Specially targeting older adults who are more vulnerable to fraud.
The updates are aiming to stop scammers who use tricks and social engineering to steal money or personal information from people.
Anti-Scam Features on WhatsApp
Users will now receive a warning if they attempt to share their screen during a video call with unknown contacts on WhatsApp.
This will help prevent scammers from asking for bank details or security codes in particular situations.
Anti-Scam Features on Facebook Messenger
Meta is testing AI-powered scam detection on Facebook Messenger. This will flag suspicious messages and alert users before they respond.
Common Scams
The app also highlights common scams like fake job offers and “easy money” schemes. It has also offered options to block or report the sender.
By the first half of 2025, Meta had blocked almost 8 million scam accounts that were associated with scam hubs in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the UAE, and the Philippines. The company also eliminated more than 21,000 counterfeit Facebook Pages and accounts that pretended to be relevant customer service representatives to collect personal and financial data. This is a very worrying figure.
Online scams can cause financial and emotional damage. Especially to older adults.
Scammers sometimes use loneliness in people or build trust through fake romantic interest. Then they manipulate the victims to share savings or private information.
Meta has previously released safety reminders, scam alerts, and a WhatsApp Safety Centre, along with romance scam warnings earlier this year.
In order to enhance the protection, Meta has partnered with Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Capital One in the National Elder Fraud Coordination Centre to fight scams that target older adults.
Meta will seek to ensure online messaging is secure with the new features.
Nonetheless, specialists state that fraudsters can be more sophisticated in their approaches, and that they constantly need to improve and be attentive to care.
