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WhatsApp is the world’s most widely used instant messaging app. Consequently, the potential for fraud occurring through the platform remains high. Meta is soon set to roll out a “Scam Alert” feature designed to combat such fraudulent activities.

WhatsApp is currently developing a new privacy feature for its millions of users. Android users of the instant messaging app will soon be safeguarded against fraud attempts conducted via WhatsApp. To achieve this, an on-device scam detection tool is being developed, which will serve to prevent any suspicious fraudulent activity. According to reports, Meta is developing this feature specifically as a “Scam Alert” tool; it will perform scam detection entirely on the device itself, thereby ensuring that end-to-end encryption remains intact.

Beta Testing Underway

According to the latest report from WABetaInfo—a tracker that monitors new developments on WhatsApp—this Scam Alert feature was spotted in Android version 2.26.22.2. This update has been released to beta users via the Google Play Store. WhatsApp is currently in the process of testing this feature. Once the testing phase is complete, the full version will be rolled out to all Android users.

How ​​Will the Feature Work?

WhatsApp’s new Scam Alert feature will flag messages and calls received from any unknown number. Instead of automatically blocking messages and calls from unknown numbers, the system will issue an alert to the user. Users will have the option to decide whether they wish to categorize a particular conversation as “trusted” or as a potential “scam.” Users will be presented with three distinct options: to block the conversation, to report it, or to continue it.

Suspicious Chats Will Be Flagged

Users can choose to block the conversation immediately or report it; reporting the conversation ensures that any future interactions originating from that specific number are flagged within WhatsApp’s records. Additionally, they have the option to continue the conversation if they wish. This measure is being implemented to curb the rapidly rising instances of fraud occurring via WhatsApp.

WhatsApp’s new Scam Alert feature is currently in the development phase; consequently, detailed information regarding its usage is not yet available. According to reports, this feature will operate entirely as an on-device system—meaning that fraudulent calls and messages received on the specific device where you are using the WhatsApp application will be flagged.